Thomas "Tom" Mills Warner passed away at home September 9 in Wichita, Kansas, surrounded by his immediate family, two days before his 92nd birthday. Son of the late Harold L. "Pete" and Mildred Mills Warner, Tom was born in Eureka, Kansas, September 11, 1933, his mother's birthday.

Tom attended Valley Center High School where he was the starting quarterback on the undefeated football team, a debater and thespian, and member of JROTC.

He graduated from Washburn University in 1955 through the Air Force ROTC program with a BA degree in political science and history.  Tom was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the university dance troupe. At a school mixer, he met the love of his life, Esther Johnston.

While in flight training in Valdosta, Georgia, Tom called Esther from a phone booth to propose marriage. She accepted and he mailed the ring the next day! Recently celebrating their 69th wedding anniversary, they built a beautiful life filled with happiness, devotion, and adventure. Their love was not only the foundation of their family but also an inspiration to all who knew them.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he trained as a pilot and manned fighter jets, culminating with a year posting on Kume Island, Japan as the air base chief operations officer.  Notably, he received the Air Force Longevity Service Award. Tom loved airplanes and often said that being a pilot was one of the great joys of his life.

After military service, Tom worked in marketing and sales alongside his family at Warner Company in Valley Center, building homes throughout the Wichita area.  Later in life, always seeking ways to learn, grow, and connect with others, he joined Toastmasters, winning many awards for best humor and best speech, traveling to contests near and far. Tom was an avid reader, a man of deep faith, and a lifelong student of the Bible.  He

served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years at First Presbyterian Church. Those who knew him remember his fierce loyalty, kindness, quick wit, and spunky sense of humor. He had a gift for lighting up every room, telling the best jokes, and being the first one on the dance floor.

Above all, Tom's greatest delight was his family. He was a steady presence throughout the lives of his children and grandchildren; cheering them on at soccer, baseball and football games, cross-country meets and the Marine Corps Marathon; applauding at concerts and recitals; walking two daughters and two granddaughters down the aisle -- delivering speeches and bon mots at each milestone. To his family, he was more than present; he was unforgettable. He loved Esther endlessly and left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faithfulness to be cherished forever.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Esther; his siblings, Carmen Anderson and Harold L. Warner, Jr. both of Lake Wabaunsee; his three children, Denise R. Warner (Ken Terzian) of Washington, DC, Thomas Mills Warner, Jr. (Brenda), and Carol Warner Haltom both of Wichita; six grandchildren, Emily Haltom (Chris Hannemann), Ashley Norfleet (Kevin), Trey Warner, Polly Terzian (Ron Stine), Jackson Haltom (Gabriella Maida) and Dylan Warner; and one great-grandchild, Elwood Norfleet.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, October 3 at 1:00 PM at Botanica in the Weidenbach Room, 701 Amidon Street, Wichita (note change of venue). Wichita, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to KPTS (channel 8) Public Television Station (KPTS.org) or by mail: KPTS, PO Box 783100, Wichita, KS 67278 or Good Shepherd Hospice, Wichita (GoodShepherdHospice.com).