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BORN
1938
DIED
2026
Warren Denning Obituary
Obituary (Slightly Unfiltered Edition): On Wednesday, February 3rd, 2026, Warren Denning of Wichita officially drove off into the sunset. Having spent recent years collecting ailments like some folks collect parking tickets, Warren finally decided enough was enough and took his leave peacefully at a long-term care facility (the nurses report he was ready to go and had started giving them life advice weeks in advance).
Broom Corn Royalty: Born on April 27, 1938, in Wichita, Warren was the son of John "Broom Corn King" Denning and the ever-glamorous Effie, legendary socialite and philanthropist. Warren had three older siblings, two brothers and a sister - some whole, some half, and then the youngest, Warren, who was half-cocked.
Personality - Larger Than Life (and Louder, Too): Warren believed in living "out loud" - and, as his friends would tell you, sometimes turned up to eleven. His conversations were a competitive sport, featuring semi-insulting jokes, dashes of self-deprecation, and more cultural references than a season of Jeopardy! He was a certified prairie sophisticate: equally at home quoting poetry or elbow-deep in axle grease, and never happier than when riding his Harley to meet friends at a local diner or touring two-up through the Rockies with his wife Carol, in full leathers, riding right behind. His passion for music and acoustic guitars rivaled his love for motorcycles and fast cars - yes, he really did drive a 600 HP Rousch-modified Mustang till the very end. You probably heard him coming.
The Foundry - Where Kitsch Meets Genius: As the mastermind behind the 1970's famed music venue and tavern, The Foundry, Warren turned interior design into an Olympic event. If you saw antiques, artifacts, old machinery, car parts, and mannequins all somehow cohabiting peacefully, you'd walked into The Foundry - or into Warren's living room. His devotion to collecting kitschy Americana didn't fade; in fact, some say "kitschy Americana" is an apt description of Warren himself.
Click, Flash, Duct Tape - The Photographer's Return: Post-Foundry, Warren circled back to his artistic roots in photography, a craft he studied at Art Center College of Design during a stint in Los Angeles. His studio served commercial clients like Coleman and Pioneer Balloons, who probably still talk about those legendary shoots involving strobes, servos, wires, assistants, and enough duct tape to make MacGyver jealous. He modestly claimed his photography was "competent," but everyone knew his real magic was in orchestrating impossible shots - before Photoshop, mind you. He kept the shutter clicking until his reluctant retirement at the tender age of 80.
Who's Left in the Pit Crew?: In addition to a few skid marks and dented fenders, evidence of Warren's drive-by includes a well-lubricated assortment of children and grandchildren and a motley collection of colorful friends, all of whom will carry on his tradition of witty banter and questionable advice. A private service is in the works for later.
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Memories and Condolences
for Warren Denning
Sponsored by Wichita Eagle.
Gary W Herlocker
February 17, 2026
Warren has been one of my closest friends ever since we met at East HS at age 15. I think a good way to describe him would be to say that he was a brilliant and talented guy who never slowed down. He was so full of energy and had numerous interests and hobbies. It seemed he was always into something new, and he always tackled those things full throttle. He was just simply a fun guy to be around, and I loved him deeply. Even though we lived miles apart for the last few years, I always knew that I could call him and reminisce over shared experiences and old times. I will miss him so much, but I hope to see him again someday in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
JACK PERRY
February 12, 2026
RIP MY OLD FRIEND !!
Della Lickteig
February 8, 2026
I got to know Warren not only as a neighbor but as the husband to my girls´ piano teacher, Carol, until her death. I saw him recently and am saddened to read this morning he passed on my birthday. I will always remember he and Carol. Rest in peace Warren.
Brian Denning Wink
February 8, 2026
He lived a full life his way. He was always energetic and excited for new things. He took his health troubles in stride, and had a great attitude about it the past few years.
I enjoyed reconnecting with him over the past decade or so, either in person, or just on the phone. He always shared entertaining and fascinating stories. I am looking forward to the celebration of life when that happens, and the potential to reconnect with family members that I havent seen in decades, and perhaps meet some of his friends, and hear stories about him.
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Janice
February 7, 2026
I worked as Warren's assistant from '82 to '94. It was an entertaining job! It was Gaffer's tape used on the sets, not duct tape. Gaffers removes easily not leaving residue. Condolences to his children and grandchildren.
Greg Arrigoni
February 7, 2026
Warren was THE PHOTOGRAPHER at IBAC and World Balloon Conventions.
It was always great to see him each year.
I worked closely with him, raising him up on a scissor lift to get a different angle that he could not get from the ground.
RIP and take those special shots looking down on us.
cheryl Yasbec
February 7, 2026
I was so sorry when my friend Gary Herlocker let me know Warren passed away. We were '56 East High classmates. Warren treated everyone as though they were a best friend. Throughout all the years since high school my husband and I had some fun visits. I remember when he was living in Peabody and his photograph studio and I certainly remember The Foundry. In later years we would see Warren at Dillon's wearing his biker clothes and his white braid down his back. He always had fun stories to tell to make us laugh. My last contact was almost three years ago when he called me to offer condolences when my husband passed away and to see if I needed anything. Warren's life style was a little different but he had a good heart and was a good friend.
Celeste Racette
February 7, 2026
Warren and John Simon were wonderful to hang around at The Foundry. Dare I say it, but several of us knew our IDs would work to get us in. We loved the vibe, the bluegrass music, Grand River Township, and riding bikes around town to put up posters for music acts coming to play. I still have my Grand River Township poster. It was eclectic, exciting, and the parties in the grand ole house along Broadway were filled with music and dancing after the bar shut down. Thank you Warren for providing a musical venue rivaled by none.
Nick Wagner
February 7, 2026
I remember Warren as someone who was one hundred percent honest as to how he felt about absolutely anything.
Lon Teter
February 7, 2026
I never met him, but I wish I had. A life well lived. Bon voyage!
Tom James
February 6, 2026
I am deeply saddened by the loss of this brilliant man. My dear friend Myrna Campbell took me to meet Warren at his studio in Delano in about 1980, enticing me with the line - "There's this great friend of mine you just have to meet!" Her instincts were spot-on - the connection was instant and we immediately became old friends.
I might have this wrong, but in my memory Warren first connected with Myrna's sister Carol when she came to one of our gigs at the Artichoke several years later. What a team they were!
I truly love this man. A conversation with Warren was a seamless, never-ending thing of joy and wonder, especially, in my case, if it was about guitars, but books or movies could easily have the same effect. As a friend, he was steadfast, - once he loved you, he always loved you. For those of us who are left behind, I only have two questions: how many stories do you want and how much time do you have?
Stanley Weir
February 6, 2026
Warren was one of a kind! I have great memories of working with him for many photoshoots for almost 40 years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends who are grieving over this loss!
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