"Rosie and family, we want to extend our sympathies on Max's passing. We're unable to attend the funeral due to being out of town but we wanted you all to know that we're thinking of you. You were great neighbors for a young family with two little girls to grow up next to. Lisa and I can't remember anyone babysitting us besides our grandma and your family. Mom wouldn't trust just anyone! Great memories for us! Please know that we're praying for you during this time of grief and sorrow. Love, Shelly & Kirk McCollum, Lisa and Tim Schoolman, and Mike and Dixie Salter"
In loving memory of
E. "Max" Warner
April 22, 1924 - October 8, 2008
Earl "Max" Warner, 84, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday at 4:35 p.m. after a battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). While in many ways Max's life was very ordinary, those who knew him well would say he was an extraordinary man. He was born near North Manchester the son of the late Glen and Marie (Ulrey) Warner. After graduating from Sidney High School, he moved to Hammond where he was a telegrapher with Nickel Plate Rail Road. More importantly, while there he met his beloved Rosella (Rosie) and her two daughters Victoria and Susan. They were married September 25, 1948. In 1954 he moved his family, now with two more girls, Jane and Nancy, to South Whitley, where he bought a farm. Keeping the farm, he began working for General Motors in 1957. In 1959, he moved to Marion to be closer to work, again buying acreage so he could continue farming. He retired from GM June, 1980, but led a very full life until ALS stilled him. Although Max had no formal education beyond high school, he had a love of learning new skills, many self-taught. After building a garage with instructions from a book, he went on to build four houses in his life, including his last residence. He studied investing and used his knowledge to provide well for his family. Having a great mechanical talent, he loved to purchase automobiles that had been totaled and rebuild them, and he also created a luxury motor home from an old Army bus. He began square dancing and water skiing in his forties and motor cycling in his fifties. In his late seventies, he was certified to prepare tax returns, which he did on a volunteer basis into his eighties. Max's love of God's creation and new experiences led to memorable family vacations. Together they visited world's fairs and national parks from coast to coast. Nothing pleased him more than sharing these good times with others, so once his daughters were grown he took his extended family on trips all over the country. As he grew older, he loved to treat his grandchildren to annual camping trips to Lincoln State Park and Holiday World. All who knew Max saw a man of integrity. He consistently lived his faith; at work, church, or home, he was the same person. Whether people agreed with him or not, they knew he was a man of his word. He also loved to help others and gave his time and talents generously to meet the needs of friends, neighbors, and family. Perhaps the most defining characteristics of Max, were his love for his Lord and his love for his Rosie. A member of Twin City Bible Baptist Church, he often worked behind the scenes, addressing mechanical concerns or hosting missionaries. To all his family, he modeled consistent, selfless love and devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather. A quiet man, he rarely needed to verbalize lessons for his family. They saw the right way to live by his example. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Rose; four daughters, Victoria Scott, Hawaii, Susan Rodriguez, Arizona, Jane (Mike) Mellinger, Columbus, Nancy (Ed) Spencer, Marion; a brother, Arden (Geri) Warner, Silver Lake; seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. A brother, Gene, preceded him in death. Memorials may be made to the Missionary Fund, Twin City Bible Baptist Church, 7252 S. Meridian St., Marion 46953, or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, 205 S. Washington St., Marion, 46952. Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 , 2008 Twin City Bible Baptist Church 7252 S. Meridian St Marion, Indiana Officiating: Pastor Dale Schuiteman Interment: Jefferson Cemetery Upland, Indiana Visitation: 2-4, 6-8 p.m. Friday Jones-Smith Funeral Home 259 N. Main Street Upland, In 46989:
Tributes
"From the very first time I met Max he welcomed me into his family. I could tell he was well loved by everyone around him and he cared deeply for them all. I feel honored to have known him even for the short time I did. He was an extraordinary man with a heart full of endless love. I send my love to his family and friends from college, please know how much I wish I could be with you during this time. All my love, Meg"
"Please accept my sympathies for your loss."
"Hello dear Rose, Mother and I extend to you and Suzi, and your entire family, our deepest sympathy. We remember Max fondly and agree that although he was indeed a quiet man, his faith was felt and evident. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we rejoice with you that someday you will see Max again in heaven. Our memories of your dear family are precious to us. Much love, Jackie and Betty"
"Jane, Mike and family, Our family would like to express our sympathy for your loss. Although we didn't get the opportunity to know Max personally, we were pleased to read about the great impact he had on his family, friends and community. What a blessing it is to know that Max is in heaven now, free of earthly pain and suffering,and residing in eternal glory. Praise the Lord. Shane and Lisa Shoop and Kids"
""And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place ..." - 2 Pet. 1:19 What a comfort to know with certainty, this light that shines in a dark place."
"Dear Rosie.....What a beautiful and true tribute you wrote for Max's obituary. It said everything about his life as he lived it. He was a great father figure for both Mike and I. We have loved you and your family every since we met you. Take good care of yoursself and we will see you in November.....All our love and prayers Mike and Dixie"
"TO OUR DEAR ROSE AND FAMILY WE SHARE YOUR GREAT LOSS OF A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER AND TO US MORE OF A BROTHER THAN OUR BROTHER IN LAW IN THE PASSING OF OUR PAL "MAX". OF COURSE "MAX" WAS ALWAYS DOING AND SHARING WITH OTHERS EVERY CHANCE HE HAD AND FOR THAT WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SHARED IN HIS LIFE. FOR ALL THE THINGS "MAX" WAS TO US, WE WILL NOW CELEBRATE HIS LIFE WITH US. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.... SUNDOWN ADRIAN & HELEN"
"rose and girls, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. thinking of you. george and barbara (owen)brown"
"May God provide wonderful memories for the family and friends of Mr. Warner.I can prsonally attest that he was an exceptional man and a great influence for many people-young and old-that were privileged to have known him. God's peace be with Mrs. Warner and her entire family."
"I WAS MAX WARNER'S RN/CASE MANAGER AT FAITHFUL FRIENDS HEALTHCARE. MR. WARNER WAS A DELIGHTFUL MAN WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR. I BELIEVE ALL THAT KNEW MR. WARNER WOULD SAY HE WAS A MAN WITH HIGH STANDARDS AND A STRONG FAITH IN GOD. HIS HIGH STANDARDS AND GENUINE GOODNESS WILL ALWAYS BE REFLECTED IN HIS FAMILY WHO GRACIOUSLY HAVE BEEN AT HIS BEDSIDE CARING FOR HIM AT HOME SINCE HIS DEBILITATING ILLNESS. MAX WARNER WILL LIVE ON THROUGH THE STRONG CHARACTER HE IMPARTED TO HIS FAMILY. THE EXPERIENCE OF OBSERVING THE DEDICATION AND LOVE THAT HIS DAUGHTERS, WIFE, SON-IN-LAWS, GRANDCHILDREN, AND OTHERS GAVE TO HIM WILL FOREVER BE IN MY MEMORY. I TRULY WITNESSED THE MEANING OF LOVE BY WATCHING THE WARNER FAMILY - THE LOVE THAT HE RECEIVED FROM HIS WIFE, ROSE, AND HIS DAUGHTERS IS A TRUE CREDIT THE MAN OF THAT HOUSEHOLD. SO, AS A NURSE, I HAVE LOST ANOTHER PATIENT BUT I HAVE WITNESSED THE PUREST AND TRUEST OF LOVE THROUGH THE ACTS OF THE MAX WARNER FAMILY. w"
"WE AT FAITHFUL FRIENDS HOME HEALTHCARE WISH TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE."