Carl Martin Werner

Carl Werner of St. Francis, Kansas passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in McPherson, Kansas.Born on June 28, 1941, he was the son of the late Edward R. and Susie (Willig) Werner. He grew up in Winona, Kansas, where he joined his brothers as an important member of the Winona Tigers basketball and football teams. At one point, there were three Werners on the basketball starting five. Carl spent his summers during those years working for a local farmer.
At age 17, Carl was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. That changed the trajectory of his life. He handled that condition with grace and dignity, never complaining, and made a productive, rewarding life for himself.
Carl graduated Summa Cum Laude from McPherson College in 1963 where he served on the Student Council, Student Court, as President of his Senior Class, and was selected to appear in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Following graduation, he entered the field of education to which he dedicated the remainder of his life. He began his career as an English teacher for nine years in the St. Francis High School. Many of his former students owe him a debt of gratitude for knowing the difference between its and it's.
Following a Master's Degree in Administration from Kansas State University, Carl served first as Principal at Brewster High School. Then for an additional 36 years, he was employed by USD 297 St. Francis Community Schools, as Superintendent most of those years, followed by Activities / Athletic Director in his semi-retirement. He carried out all roles with honesty, commitment, and a deep respect for students and colleagues. This deep respect was reciprocated to Carl from students and staff alike. The St. Francis community will remember Carl wearing his green St. Francis Indians jacket walking the sidelines of all football games. They liked to call him "Chief." Following those games, as well as any other news of school activities, Carl would go into his office to record all details on the "Indian News" phone line he created, so any who wished could dial in and keep up with his beloved school family. His devotion to SFCHS ran deep.
Carl's pursuit of ensuring quality education and a robust athletics program for the school district was significantly impacted forever when he founded the St. Francis Educational Foundation Fund in 2015 with a large personal donation. His intent was for others, not just himself, to donate to this endowed fund to make the net income available annually to USD 297 for grants and scholarships.
Carl was active throughout the community, generously giving of his time and energy wherever it was needed. He also held a strong commitment to his faith. He was an active member of the St. Francis United Methodist Church, serving in many roles where his caring nature and steady presence were deeply valued.
Carl is survived by brothers Ivan of Leawood, KS, Larry (Dalene) of McPherson, KS, Garth of Wichita, KS, and Harvey of McPherson, as well as a sister Vida Snavely (George), of Elizabethtown, PA. Uncle Carl was also deeply loved by his thirteen nephews and nieces.
A Celebration of Life service for Carl will be held at a later date in the St. Francis United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, Carl requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Saint Francis Educational Fund c/o CCKCF, P. O Box 967, St. Francis, Kansas 67756 (donate on line at https://www.cckcf.org) or the St. Francis United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 805, St. Francis, KS 67756.
"This is Indian News signing off. Go Indians!"