Cohen, Warren David

Warren David Cohen, 68, died Saturday  in the comfort of his home following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, with Father Ed Fitzpatrick officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Warren was born Nov. 9, 1943, in Sinton, Texas, the son of Edward and Juliette (Liedeker) Goldsmith. He was raised in Corpus Christi and attended Peacock and San Antonio military academies in San Antonio. Following high school he resided in Beverly Hills, Calif., where he was involved in the film industry.

In the early 1970s, Warren moved to Iowa, where in 1978 he founded Diamond Dave's Taco Co. in Des Moines. On Nov. 9, 1980, he married Leah White in Las Vegas. In 1981, they moved to Iowa City, where they opened Diamond Dave's Taco and expanded the business with 50 new stores. In 1983, they opened Bo-James in downtown Iowa City.

Warren was a true entrepreneur with a heart of gold. Throughout the years he developed several unique businesses such as Sam the Chicken Man and Timo's Rock & Roll Diner. Although Warren achieved great success in business, his proudest accomplishments were his children.

Most important to Warren were his children, Morgan and Tiffany.

He enjoyed movies, history and was an avid reader and art collector. Warren published and wrote the book “Film Fame.”

Warren is survived by his two children, Morgan of Iowa City and Tiffany of Iowa City and Morgantown, W.Va.; his former spouse and friend, Leah Cohen of Iowa City; his sister, Sandi Goldsmith of Evergreen, Colo.; three nephews, Eric, Brant and Troy Goldreyer; and numerous extended family.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at

Published Jan. 3, 2012, in The Gazette