John Stanley Warner Sr.

JOHN STANLEY WARNER, SR. John was born in Washington, D.C. on 12 February 1919 and died April 29, 2006 in Tucson, Arizona of respiratory failure. He is survived by his wife, May Belle Torrance Warner, whom he married in January 1949; a daughter and son of that marriage, Carol D. Warner of Herndon, Virginia, and Stanley Torrance Warner of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; two children from a previous marriage, Linda P. Allen of Woodland Hills, California, and John Stanley Warner, Jr., of Arlington, Virginia; granddaughters, Lisa Pearse Maquire and Christen Warner, grandsons, John Sidney Warner and Michael Warner; four great grandchildren; also two nephews survive. Predeceased by mother, Maggie Lee Jaques Warner, father, Robert P. Warner Sr., and brother, Robert P. Warner, Jr. Graduated from public high school in 1935. Completed American Institute of Banking course; received LLM from Southeastern University in 1941; admitted to the Bar that year in the District of Columbia. Received LLM from Columbus University in June 1942. Was employed from 1935 to March 1943 at the Union Trust Company, Washington, D.C., as an Assistant Trust Investment Officer. In July 1942, enlisted as an Aviation Cadet. Upon entrance on active military service in March 1943, received pilot training, was awarded wings and commissioned a 2nd Lt. in January 1944. In May 1944, was sent to England, and on D-Day, 6 June 1944, flew the first of 35 bombing missions in B-17's over occupied Europe with the 390th Bombardment Group (H). On returning to U.S., was detailed to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in December 1944. Upon the pending liquidation of OSS, was appointed as a civilian in late 1945 to assist in the statutory development of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). During career with CIA, was selected to attend the resident course at the National War College for the 1956-57 academic year. Received a M.A. in International Affairs at George Washington University in 1964. Served a full career in the CIA, retiring in April 1976 as the General Counsel. While employed with the CIA, continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as Major General in 1979. The United States Air Force and the Central Intelligence Agency were both created in the same statute, the National Security Act of 1947, approved 18 September 1947. These two entities are thus siblings, and I was fortunate enough to be a charter member of both until retirement from both, CIA in 1976 and the USAF in 1979. Some 20 years after retiring, CIA planned a celebration of it's 50th Anniversary in 1997. As a part of this event, the Agency reached out to 50 "Trailblazers," employees who distinguished themselves as leaders in furthering the Agency's mission. As one of the 50, this was a truly significant honor. In October of 1983, John and May Belle moved to Tucson, Arizona, where they both enjoyed their golden years in the sunshine, playing golf, and exploring the West. Also, John, with May Belle's help, took an active role in the 390th Memorial Museum. The 390th Bomb Group is the only World War II combat unit which has established its own private museum, including a restored B-17. Served on the Board of Directors continuously since 1985. Until death, continued to serve as a Director of the Foundation which supports and operates this Museum. Visitation will be held 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY . Funeral services 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2006 at EAST LAWN PALMS CHAPEL, with interment to follow with Military Honors at EAST LAWN PALMS CEMETERY , 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson Arizona. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make contributions to the 390th Memorial Museum Foundation, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona, 85706. "In honor of John S. Warner."