John Henry "Bud" Warner

WARNER John "Bud" Henry Warner, age 82, Thursday, January 4, 2007, Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, Oh. Born March 31, 1924, in Columbus, Oh. to John S. and Lyda Warner of Columbus, Oh. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth and former wife Martha and son Richard, sister Ruth. Survived by son, Jack E. Warner of Columbus, Oh.; sister, Betty; granddaughters, Steffany L. (Mark) Redfern and Kendra N. (Cullen) Starkey; great-granddaughters, Taylor and Tea; great-grandson, Tyler; several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Bud was raised on the Miller/Warner farm on North Star Road near Lane Avenue, in Columbus. Bud (also known as Jack) attended North High School followed by Ohio State University studying Horticulture. He served as a Navy Aviator, including service in a Hellcat night fighter squadron and as a carrier pilot, during and after WW II. He later was a Landing Signal Officer and then a flight instructor until 1957. After his military service, Bud worked many years for Trowbridge Moving and Storage and then worked until his retirement from the State of Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. His friend and flight instructor Bruce Colter put him behind the controls of a Cessna one last time April 29, 2001. Bud was also a guitar player and loved his Gretch Country Gentleman. He emulated Chet Atkins's guitar style. He was an avid back yard gardener and grew tomatoes even in the nursing home where he lived until his death. He was strong character who could still turn a lady's eye even as a senior. He was charismatic and made a lasting impression. He'll be remembered by many, unforgettable for some. The world is a bit less interesting, less unpredictable, and less fun, without him in it. Family will receive friends Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. in the LONG FUNERAL HOME, 5528 Cleveland Avenue (one block south of SR 161), where funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2007. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.