Richard L. Warner

In his 80 years of life on this Earth, Richard Lee Warner lived with a deep concern for others. Sometimes a bit prickly on the outside, his heart was otherwise warm and large. "Dickens," as he was known to some, never met a stranger. He lived his life finding great comfort in his own skin. Dick's dash, or all the years lived in between 1938 and 2018, leaves behind many memorable moments shared with friends and loved ones.

In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt watched carefully as many actions abroad, especially those involving Germany, began to ramp up conflict. The United States was also in a recession causing the unemployment rate to rise substantially to 19%; however, there was plenty to celebrate as well. The first service seeing eye dog was used, and Superman made his heroic appearance in a comic book to the delight of many children.

Howard Hughes also broke the Round the World record with a flight that lasted a mere 3 days and 19 hours, and the racing horse proudly named Seabiscuit beat the 1-4 favorite War Admiral in what was promoted as the “Match of the Century.” A great deal of excitement was created with Orson Wells’ radio adaptation of “War of the Worlds” when people panicked thinking the plot was breaking news rather than fiction. Closer to home in the city of Garrett, Indiana, much excitement was also experienced. Vern and Ethel welcomed their son into the world. On March 10th, Richard Lee was welcomed into the Warner family.

Richard, who was also affectionately called "Dick," began putting the dash between 1938 and 2018 right away. He continued to fully live his dash throughout all his days. He was raised with his siblings in their home kept by his loving mother. His father worked hard to support the family on the railroad in the well-known railroad town of Garrett.

His childhood was filled with many great boyhood adventures. He matured into a responsible teenager and attended Garrett High School where he claimed to have "never missed a day of school!" He was a member of the Railroader’s Class (1956). He found a job working as a butcher at IGA and Kroger and graduated with the class of 1956.

Soon after earning his high school diploma, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve on February 16th, 1956. Dick was in the Army National Guard. Once he returned to civilian life, he began working at General Electric as a Tool Maker from where he eventually retired in 1996.

As life fell into place, Dick found himself moving to Auburn, Indiana in 1969. In time, he also opened his heart to finding love. Geraldine Stubbs was soon to become Mrs. Warner. She loved Dick with a patient and kind heart for all the 41 years of their marriage. Geraldine, affectionately called "Bean," also shared in the adventures of parenthood with Dick. The couple welcomed 7 children into their lives. Lorie, Steven, Jeffery, Sue, Brenda, Beth, and Anthony kept their parents on their toes and busy with sports and family activities.

As a father (and grandfather), Dick thoroughly enjoyed being involved with little league and other sports. He coached both Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball - earning quite a reputation for his enthusiasm. Sometimes his fervor caused an official removal from a game or two! He did strike a balance, however, and judiciously enjoyed umpiring youth baseball.

Dick was definitely an avid sports fan. He cheered for Indiana University's Hoosiers and the Indianapolis Colts football team. Family gatherings provided Dick great joy - especially if a good game was on! These occasions were even more exciting if Bobby Knight made an appearance on the screen. It was not unusual to find Dick supporting the high school level sports teams as well - specifically Garrett High School and DeKalb High School. You could count on seeing him in a flannel cheering on the athletes.

Once his children matured and found adult lives of their own, Dick and Geraldine looked forward to the gift of grandchildren. They joyfully celebrated 14 grandchildren together. The years passed by while they also proudly welcomed 8 great-grandchildren into the world. Dick held a special place in his heart for each and every one of them. The grandchildren called him "Pa," and he continued to cheer for his grandchildren in all of their activities. He left a legacy of being a man of his word who loved deeply even with a sometimes ornery side.

In his life, Dick loved to be outdoors. His patience with a fishing pole on Lake Erie and Lake Michigan on hot summer days was impressive. He was an avid hunter as well and loved to run his beagles. He could find a hot game of Euchre with friends or family just as entertaining. He found peace and spirituality as a member of the Garrett Presbyterian Church. Additionally, he was a member of the Garrett Eagles and the Ft Wayne Bengal Club. He also enjoyed spending his mornings at the Garrett JAM Center where he enjoyed visiting with friends old and new.

Sadly, Dick died peacefully on Saturday, May 12, 2018. He was surrounded by his family in the comforts of his home. He lived and loved throughout his life and spent his dash enjoying all the things that mattered most. He will be greatly missed, but he will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his patient and loving wife of 41 years Geraldine “Bean” (Stubbs) Warner, a sister-in-law Ann, and his fiercely loyal, supportive children Lorie (Jeff) Lucas of Antwerp, OH; Steven (Laura) Warner of Westfield, IN; Jeffery (Rachelle) Warner of Columbia City, IN.; Sue (Gary) Handshoe of Auburn, IN; Brenda Michael of Garrett, IN; Beth (Scott) Michael-Brown of Auburn, IN; and Anthony Michael of Los Angeles, CA, along with 14 grandchildren Tyler, Logan, Sean, Charlie, Ethan, Ryan, Justin, Christopher, Cameron, Austin, Adrian, Sam, Josh and Casey; 9 great-grandchildren, Faith, Joey, Oliver, Leo, Remington, Lincoln, Isiah, Katherine and Eli; many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his sister Ila Greaf and brother- in- law Roger Greaf, brother Arthur Warner, and grandson Jonah Warner.

Funeral service will be held Friday 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at Garrett Presbyterian Church 201 S. Franklin Street, Garrett. Officiating will be Rev. Brad Rito and Rev. Bill Haworth. Visitation will also be held on Thursday from 3-5 & 6-8 pm at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Burial will be in Christian Union Cemetery, Garrett. Memorial donations may be made to Garrett Presbyterian Church or Visiting Nurse.

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