Michael Darin "'Mike"" Warner

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalms 4:8 NIV

Michael ("Mike") Darin Warner was called home to our Lord on Monday, December 29th, 2025, at the age of 61.

Mike was born on March 16, 1964, in Hoisington, Kansas, to Gary and Joy Lee Warner. His early years were spent working in his family's grocery store in Holyrood, Kansas, and hunting all of Ellsworth County alongside his brother and father. As the legend goes, Mike is still the holder of the most consecutive free throws at Quivira Heights High School (115 free throws – to be exact). After graduating from high school, Mike took his golf talents to Barton County Community College, and later Fort Hays State University, where he majored in marketing and business.

As Mike would say, some of the best luck of his life landed him on a blind date with Stephanie Warner – the love of his life. Mike and Stephanie celebrated thirty years of marriage this past June. Together, the two raised hell, three boys, and many dogs.

Mike built a successful career as a salesman. Known for his integrity, dedication, and genuine care for his customers and colleagues alike. He brought humor and warmth to every interaction. Mike earned countless accolades during his tenure at Helena Chemical Company, including the Marubeni Award in 2017 and the 2025 Salesperson of the Year – an achievement made even more remarkable as he courageously battled cancer. Of all his accomplishments, Mike was most proud of his three sons, and nothing brought him greater joy than being their dad.

Mike loved many things in this life. Most notably, hunting, fishing, golfing, the Kansas City Chiefs (even in the early 2000s), cigars, fishing trips to Pinedale, Wyoming, the Kansas Jayhawks, coaching his sons in little league, worship music, LifeChurch, discussing politics, a stiff whiskey, and above all, his family. Mike was a permanent fixture at the Reflection Ridge Golf Course, where he spent countless hours on the course with his "awesome" friends.

A devout Christian throughout his life, Mike found strength and peace in his faith during both joyful times and moments of hardship. Even through his courageous battle with cancer, his faith remained steadfast. His spiritual devotion provided comfort not only to himself but to those around him.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Stephanie Warner; his sons, Zach (Alyssa) Warner, Levi (Meredith) Fitzmier and Caleb (Lizzy) Warner; grandsons, Cash Fitzmier, Matias Warner, Rory Warner, Micah Warner, Hayes Warner, and another grandson on the way; brother, Randy (Missy) Warner; father, Gary Warner, and his beloved dogs Annie and Baxter.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Joy Lee Warner; niece, Kendra Warner; and cousin, Troy Edwards.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at LifeChurch West Wichita, 3210 N Maize Rd, Wichita, KS 67205. A celebration of life will follow at noon at the Reflection Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse, 7700 W Reflection Rd, Wichita, KS 67205.

Although Mike is gone, he will live in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to LifeChurch West Wichita or Victory in the Valley, Inc. in Mike's name, or by simply spending a day on the course, remembering a life well played.

Arrangements through Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.