The Reverend Dr. Robert "Bob" L. Warner passed away on July 23 ^rd , 2022 at the age of 93. He was born August 25 ^th , 1928 in New Rome, Ohio to parents, R.J. and Esther Warner. He had two older brothers, James and David, and a younger sister, Elvira. His oldest brother, James, died when Bob was only five months old. Bob lived most of his childhood and teen years in Xenia. He attended Xenia High School where he met his first wife, Joan (Wheeler) Warner. They had a wonderful marriage for over 50 years until Joan's death in 2002.

Bob and Joan had three daughters and he loved family camping trips, which they did nearly every summer. Bob was an Eagle Scout in his teens and shared his love of the outdoors. His wife and daughters learned to love it as well. Camping trips eventually led to visits in nearly all 50 states in a camper he made himself. Bob had many other hobbies including woodworking, gardening, tending to his aquariums, and playing the piano.  He wrote newspaper articles for the religion page for the Xenia Gazette. He also wrote many genealogies for both his and Joan's families and loved attending family reunions.

After receiving a B.S. in education from The Ohio State University in 1951, Bob had a career in education that took him from teacher to guidance counselor to superintendent of schools. He also completed his M.S. and PhD in education.  His first career was followed by a career in the ministry. He once again returned to school for his Masters in Divinity degree and became an active pastor for many years.

As both a pastor and a member, Bob was very involved in his church, Faith Community United Methodist. He was in men's groups, Sunday school classes, and was a small group leader. He took a mission trip to El Salvador and got involved in dramas and plays at the church and other churches, including playing the role of the Inn Keeper at the Last Supper.

Bob's second wife, Mary Ellen Warner, was also a member of the church and they were blessed to find each other later in life. Bob and Mary Ellen had nearly 20 years together.  Her presence in his life gave him joy and happiness as well as tender loving care until the end.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan Warner, his precious granddaughter Alison Tinnes, his parents RJ and Esther, his brothers James and Dr. David Warner and sister-in-law Mary Warner, and his brother-in-law Dick Covey.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Warner, three daughters, Cheri (John) Brent, Cindy Warner (Kenny Hambrick), and Meri Jo Warner, step-daughter Ellen Harbison Henry, grandson Jay Gillespie, and granddaughters, Shelby (Tim) Sommer, and Phoebe (Travis) Doran, and great-grandsons Oakley Sommer and Oliver Tinnes (father Brett Tinnes) and sister Elvira Warner Covey, and many nieces and nephews.

Bob will always be remembered as a man of integrity, maturity, kindness, unselfish steadfast love, with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

Mary Ellen would like to thank the dear people who enhanced Bob's life with their love, friendship, and actual hands-on help.  Many thanks to our wonderful friends, Bill and Dianne Moon, Don and Carolyn Robinson, Karen Boettcher, Lennie Presock, and Richard and Sharon Bates. Also thanks go to all our neighbors on SR 380, especially Don Wolf and Ray and Brenda Stacy. Bob loved and enjoyed his extended Warner and Covey families, including not only his brother and his sister and their families, but even his cousins and their families. A special thank-you must be made to Harvey Warner and Andy Warner for all their help.   There were people who came to help us on the farm who later became our good friends. Among these were Ed, Chris and Isaiah Bice, Dakota Harris and Mick Hostetter.  Thank you Double I Sunday School Class and UMM group, especially John Sherer.  Mary Ellen wants to express her gratitude to Dr. Richard and Tami Byers, everyone at Greene Memorial Hospital and Friends Care Community for their loving care of Bob. Words cannot express the gratitude Mary Ellen has for the love and support given to Bob and to her by his wonderful daughters and amazing grandchildren.

A memorial service for Bob will be held at FCUM church on August 27 ^th at 11 a.m., with calling hours at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Faith Community Family Outreach or the Greene County Community Foundation, (XHS 1973 Scholarship written in memo line) at 941 W 2 ^nd Street, Xenia 45385.