Search
-
November 19, 2020Deacon Jim Warnke died Nov. 10 in Sayre. He was 74. Deacon Warnke was born March 3, 1946, in Elk City to Lawrence and Bernice (Winkler) Warnke.
He grew up in Canute where he graduated in 1964. After graduation, he worked in the oil fields before attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1969. While in college, he married Dawana Sue Webb on Jan. 21, 1967, in Canute.
In 1978, he opened his own business, Pipe Inspection Inc. From 1978 to 2000, he continued operating the business and added a Pepperidge Farm Cookie franchise in western Oklahoma and the Texas panhandle. He left the oil field in 2002 and purchased Broadway Cleaners. Jim continued operating the dry-cleaning business until 2015 when he worked for the City of Sayre until his retirement in 2016.
Jim was strong in his faith and service to the Lord. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2002 to serve at Saint Matthew Catholic Church until retirement in 2017. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree and received his degree in pastoral ministry from Newman University in 2004. He also was a member of the Elk City Jaycee's and Kiwanis clubs. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, attending rodeos, attending his grandson's sporting events and spending time with family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Tony Warnke; two brothers-in-law, Ralph Musella and David Webb; two sisters-in-law, Joanne Warnke and Peggy Warnke.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sue; two daughters, Gina Luree Warnke Salinas and husband, Rob; and Julie Ann Warnke; one grandson, Eric Ryan Salinas; one great granddaughter, Arya Brienne Salinas; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest gifts to Saint Matthew Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 16 at Saint Matthew Catholic Church with Father Philip Louis as principal celebrant. Burial at Holy Family Cemetery.
