Johnnie Warner: brother, husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He passed peacefully in his home of 66 years in Nederland, Texas on Monday, April 11, 2022, surrounded by family. Johnnie was the 7th of 10 children, born in Bronson, Texas on April 9, 1923, to Joseph and Dora Warner. They had 7 boys and 3 girls.
Johnnie married Maude Evelyn Winn on June 8, 1943, in New Orleans. They had seven children: Carol, Randy, Carl Mark (b. 12/31/1950, d. 1/4/1951), Jackie, Nelwinn, Julia, and Christine. They celebrated 53 years of loving marriage. Johnnie lost the love of his life in 1996 to a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Their family has grown to 14 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.
Johnnie grew up a country boy in a very happy home in Bronson, Texas where the family farmed and grew cotton. The family home was built by his grandfather. It was without electricity, running water, and only had a fireplace for heat.
Johnnie graduated valedictorian from Bronson High School in 1940. Later, he attended NYA Trade School and worked at Ideco Machine Shop in Beaumont, Texas. During WWII, he served in the United States Army Air Corp, teaching gunnery school from January 1943 to February 1946 when he was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. His civilian life led him to employment at Neches Butane Production Company in Port Neches, Texas. He retired from the refinery after 37 years. During those years, he built his current home, worked as a carpenter on homes in Nederland, and specialized in making customized cabinets.
Johnnie became a Christian in April of 1951, one year after the death of their third child. His Christian faith began to grow, and he continued to follow God’s plan for the remainder of his life. He became a dedicated Bible teacher and choir member at First Baptist Church in Nederland where he also served as a deacon.
Johnnie enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, gardening, worldwide travel, working in his woodshop, playing his harmonicas, and singing in the church choir. He was an avid reader of the Bible, and he was passionate about learning the history of the world. He enjoyed watching college sports on TV but had a special love for basketball and Aggie football games at Kyle Field. Johnnie was also a gifted cook – his specialties included fried fish and shrimp, butter beans & okra, and also a full breakfast of blueberry pancakes with warm syrup, bacon, sausage, and cheesy eggs. Johnnie’s most treasured memories were made around his table with his kids, grandkids, and friends.
Survivors of Johnnie Warner include:
Sisters:
Nell Ellis of Webster, Texas, and Marcelle Davis of Jasper, Texas
Children:
Carol Yancey of The Woodlands, Randy Warner of Houston, Jackie Nowlin of Houston, Nel Slocum of College Station, Julia Ellis of The Woodlands, and Christine Morgan of Lakeway.
Grandchildren:
Wendie Yancey Ruffner, Brandie Yancey Lorenz, Brett Warner, Mallory Warner, Erin Nowlin, Rebecca Nowlin Niles, Patrick Nowlin, Randy Jennings, Preston Ellis, Jenna Ellis Huber, Sara Ellis Fuller, Kelli Majors Houston, Katy Majors Williamson, and Stacy Majors
Great Grandchildren:
Mason Ruffner, Maclain Ruffner, Merritt Ruffner, Mercer Ruffner, Reid Lorenz, Evan Lorenz, Tate Lorenz, Adrian Tazi, John Nowlin, Keith Nowlin, Emilie Nowlin, Rylie Jennings, Parker Ellis, Sawyer Ellis, Henry Huber, Connor Huber, Ellis Huber, Kent Fuller, Kayd Houston, Garrison Houston, Archer Houston, Zack Williamson, Myers Williamson, Sydney Williamson, and 3 more future blessings coming soon.
To celebrate the life of Johnnie Randolph Warner, a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. will be held at Melancon's Funeral Home in Nederland on Friday, April 15, 2022.
The funeral service for Johnnie will be Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Nederland.
Interment will immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Nederland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.