Richard M Warner

Richard M. Warner, beloved wife Katherine E. (nickname “Betty Kay”, nee Meyerhans) by his side, passed peacefully Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, at home in Moorestown, New Jersey. He was 92 years old. Richard (nickname “Dick”) was born January 2, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, son of the late Carl and Jeanette (Welton) Warner, where he grew up teasing and picking on his two younger sisters, Shirley Moreland and Margaret Taylor, having inherited from his father the lifelong gift of humor, and knowing just the right time to apply it with utmost levity. Dick achieved his Bachelor of Science (1959) and Master of Science in Education (1963) from State University of New York College at Buffalo, but even more important secured a classroom seat next to a real cutie, managed to convince her to marry him April 23, 1960, and lovingly they shared 63 years of teamwork, travel adventures, and a lifelong joy of learning. Together they raised three children, Katherine F. Lawrence (Ed – D), Jeanette W. Connelly (Michael P.), and Jeffrey C. Warner (Christy) and he proudly kept close tabs on his seven (7) grandchildren and three (3) great grandchildren. Dick’s passion was all things orderly, the military being his proudest achievement having served in the New York National Guard (1949 to 1953) and the United States Army Reserve totaling over 35 years of service, retiring rank Colonel, 1984. Backtracking, in 1969 Dick moved his young family to Shippensburg, PA where he worked at Shippensburg University, as professor of communication, teaching media, photography, news broadcasting, and for years orchestrated the university Commencement ceremonies. He retired in 1995. Dick’s military and education expertise provided him the honor of teaching United States War College (Carlise, PA) communication courses. Dick was an active member of Shippensburg Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon and Treasurer, he was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason, and he volunteered as an ambulance transport volunteer, Shippensburg Area Emergency Medical Services. Post retirement (2002), Dick and Betty Kay moved to Moorestown, NJ, where they launched many motorhome adventures, traversing North America gaining friends and joy-filled memories. Ultimately adding a “snowbird” home in Rainbow Resort, Frostproof, FL. In addition to his wife, children, and sisters he is survived by his grandchildren Carlo (Claire) and Kevin Lawrence, Michael (Anne Barkley), Devin (Kayla) and Anne Connelly, Jacob and Caitlin Warner, and great-grandchildren, Daniel, Aulora, and Zeah Lawrence. A Memorial service be held to honor Richard's life, 3 pm on Wednesday, November 22 at Lewis Funeral Home, 78 E. Main St. Moorestown, NJ. Visitation from 2 – 3 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the USO Philadelphia Chapter at 2700 Southampton Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154.