Francis "Tony" Warner

Francis “Tony” L. Warner, age 101, of Topeka entered into eternal rest with his family by his side Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Atria Hearthstone in Topeka. He was born June 8, 1913 in Meriden, Kansas the eldest son of Alva “Pop” and Stella McCoy Warner. He graduated from Meriden High School in 1931. He attended Washburn University and worked for his uncle Chet at Peebler Funeral Home (now Davidson’s) for 5 years as a young man. Tony worked for the U.S. Postal Service in May of 1942 as a carrier. He retired in 1972 as an assistant supervisor for Delivery and Collection after 30 years. Tony served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 -1945 and served in the Pacific Fleet Armed Guard Postal Service as a Mailman 2nd Class (T) USNR in San Francisco, Ca during W.W.II. Tony held his life insurance license for over 25 years and he managed Fidelity Insurance Agency handling claims from the 1966 tornado and later worked for Dick Holberg Agency for 10 years.
He married Bertha Sexton May 1, 1936, a union that lasted until her death in February 2, 1993. They had 3 children; Joyce, Alan and Gary. He married Bessie (Cole) Carder December 11, 1993. She preceded him in death April 2013 after 19 years of marriage.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #1; Golden K Kiwanis Club; Moose Lodge #555; NARFE; A.A.R.P; and the Lowman United Methodist Church. He was active in many sports during his years playing baseball, football, basketball and running track, and for many years volunteered his services to the American Legion baseball program for youth in Topeka.
Tony was preceded in death by a grandson, Keith Davis; a brother, Charles “Bub” Warner; his son-in-law Charles Davis; his daughter-in-law, Beth Warner; a great granddaughter, Maggie Davis and a great grandson, Tanner Davis.
Tony is survived by two sons, Alan Warner of Auburn and Gary (Lola) Warner of Berryton; a daughter, Joyce E. Davis of Prairie Village, KS; a brother, Alva E “Gene” (Doris) Warner of Eden Prairie, MN; 1st cousins, Harley “Dunie” Warner of Valley Falls and Joy White of Topeka; 8 nieces and nephews; 9 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren and 11 step great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. He will lie in state Tuesday from 1:00 – 8:00 p.m. with visitation from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Davidson Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the choice of the donor and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at davidsonfuneral.com.