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John David Warner Jr.


Yorktown – John David Warner Jr., Major, USAF, Ret., age 75, passed away at home in York County on Thursday, April 13, 2023. The cause was infection from both Small Cell Carcinoma and Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was successfully fighting off the cancer but fibrosis, being incurable, prevailed. His Lord constantly watched over John. The Holy Spirit and John’s Guardian Angel always protected him. He was born at Portsmouth Naval Hospital Virginia on March 9, 1948 the son of John David Warner (CDR, USN, Ret) and Madeline Helen (Murphy) Warner. John was preceded by his loving wife Mary Helen (Tabb) Warner and three siblings, Pamela Warner, Paul W. Warner and Thomas Warner. His sister Mary Kay Moore of Fredericksburg, Virginia survives him. John traveled with his family all around the country based on his father’s many assignments. John graduated from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1967 and Belmont Abby College in 1971. He then earned a MA degree from studies at the University of Oklahoma and Webster University in 1984. He joined the Air Force in 1973 where he served as a weapons controller and tactical director for 20 years on active duty. John had operational assignments as a crew member on E-3 AWACS and E-8 JSTARS aircraft. His Big Hurrah was during Desert Storm where it all came together for him after years of training, planning, deployments and exercises. He was also proud to have served as a staff officer at The Pentagon and Air Combat Command. Then, as a defense contractor he used his unique background to function as a coordination manager between operators and engineers to achieve digital connectivity for C2ISR combat operations. His work combined successful efforts to digitally connect the US and NATO airborne C2 environment with the fighter and bomber communities. Among his interests he particularly enjoyed surf fishing, mainly for speckled trout, flounder and bluefish (catch and release) while at his beach house in Duck, NC. His other primary interest was genealogy research where he delighted in solving the mysteries of facts and history for his family and friends. He was an avid reader of nautical history and eagerly reread the fascinating maritime stories of Joseph Conrad and Patrick 0’Brian. He also enjoyed Tony Hillerman’s western mystery writings. John totally enjoyed tracking his various investments in funds and stocks, oil and gas royalties and travel or vacation opportunities. He also participated in supporting his fellow parishioners and church at Saint Joan of Arc in northern York County. John would often say the best part of his life was the love he shared with his wife Mary. They started dating in high school and were married after college. They were together for 50 years. Thanks to John’s USAF assignments, he and Mary lived from coast to coast as well as in Europe and Asia. This allowed them many travel opportunities which they thoroughly enjoyed together. John could not have been happier than when being with Mary wherever they were until he lost her in 2017. However, God was looking over John and five years later brought him Vicki Marie (Angelo) Warner to love and cherish. Most men are lucky to have found one true love. But John was fortunate a second time in life to have found a most beautiful and adorable wife in Vicki. They were married at Duck on October 15, 2022 and their love was exceptionally strong. She was extremely supportive of John taking him to all his medical appointments and disbursing his medications. John was once again the happiest man in the world. A funeral service will held on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 9:30 AM in Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church in York County. Friends will be received at 8:30 AM. A mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Joly at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

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