David Owen Warner, Longtime Warsaw Resident, Dies at 87

The retired Zimmer employee and active church member was known for his handyman skills and love of the outdoors.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:39pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting an elderly man tending to a small garden, conceptually representing the lifelong passions of David Owen Warner.The vibrant memories of David Owen Warner's green thumb and love of the outdoors will continue to bloom in the Warsaw community.Warsaw Today

David Owen Warner, a longtime resident of Warsaw, Indiana, passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 87 while in the care of Grace Village Retirement Community. Warner had a long career at Zimmer and was an active member of the Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where he was known for his handyman skills and dedication to maintaining the church facilities.

Why it matters

Warner's passing marks the end of an era for the Warsaw community, where he was a beloved and respected figure. His involvement in the local church and community organizations, as well as his lifelong hobbies like gardening, farming, and water skiing, made him a fixture in the lives of many residents.

The details

After graduating from Rochester High School, Warner worked at Bendix Corp. in South Bend and operated construction equipment for the building of I-465 around Indianapolis. He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 before moving to Warsaw in 1965 to begin a career at Zimmer, where he worked in payroll, accounting, and inventory auditing until his retirement in 1993. An active member of the Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Warner served as an elder and taught children's Sunday school. He was also a longtime member of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club.

  • David Owen Warner passed away on April 15, 2026.
  • He was 87 years old at the time of his passing.
  • Warner married his wife, Carol Diane (Brown) Warner, on July 28, 1962. They celebrated 62 years of marriage before her passing on April 24, 2025.

The players

David Owen Warner

A longtime resident of Warsaw, Indiana, who passed away at the age of 87 while in the care of Grace Village Retirement Community. He had a long career at Zimmer and was an active member of the Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Carol Diane (Brown) Warner

David Owen Warner's wife of 62 years, who passed away on April 24, 2025.

Josephine (Gordon) Warner

David Owen Warner's mother.

Harry Owen Warner

David Owen Warner's father.

Robert (Carol) Warner

David Owen Warner's brother.

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What they’re saying

“David's life will be celebrated with a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 S. High St., Warsaw, and officiated by Pastor Aaron Klein.”

— Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home

What’s next

A private graveside service for David Owen Warner will be held at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery in Rochester.

The takeaway

David Owen Warner's passing marks the end of an era for the Warsaw community, where he was a beloved and respected figure known for his dedication to his church, community organizations, and lifelong hobbies. His legacy will continue to be felt through the many lives he touched over his 87 years.