Thomas John Warner

January 24, 1964 – December 9, 2020

Thomas John Warner, beloved husband, father, family man, and resident of Cicero, died unexpectedly on December 9, 2020, at the age of 56.

Survivors include his wife, Wendy Warner (Wendy Foster); his children, Stephen (Miranda), Melinda, Lillian and Abigail Warner; his parents-in-law, Stephen and Marcia Foster; his sisters, Michele (Kent) Moore, Rita (Shane) Rummel and Rosemary (Curtis Davis) Warner; his dogs, Toby, Buttercup and Cookie; his granddogs, Coco, Pepper and Riley; and countless beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters in Christ, and friends who he called family. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Marcian and Rosemary Ann Warner (Rosemary Ann Mullen).

Tom was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on January 24, 1964 to Thomas and Rosemary. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in eighth grade, from Bishop Chatard High School in 1982, and from Butler University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism, where he was also the kicker on the Butler football team. On October 1, 1988, Tom married Wendy, the love of his life and his high school sweetheart. They had four children, Stephen (29), Mindy (26), Lily (22) and Abby (14). After college, Tom worked as a sports writer/editor for the Daily Journal, Greenfield Daily Reporter, and Noblesville Ledger. He later worked for Liberty Mutual, JW Flynn Insurance Agency, Warner-Cox Insurance Agency, Walker Insurance Agency, and spent his last four years at Camico Insurance as the National Sales Manager.

Growing up, the youngest of four siblings, little Tommy was his three sisters’ favorite brother. According to his sisters, he was spoiled as a child and loved sitting in the dugout with his dad, the baseball coach and athletic director at Butler University.

As an adult, Tom was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, friend, coach and mentor to many, and most importantly, a follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He enjoyed music of all kinds, was an avid Chicago Cubs and Butler Basketball fan, and loved golf (he was a proud Senior Olympian)! He was a fixer and a problem solver. When something needed done, he figured it out. He always put others first. He made time for people who needed him even when he didn’t have the time to give. When a friend or family member needed something, he often said “YES” before he even knew the question. He was a humble man and never expected thanks or recognition. Although Tom’s parents passed away many years ago, he loved and took care of his wife’s parents, Steve and Marcia, as if they were his very own. In the same way, they also treated him like a son. He loved coaching his kids over the years in baseball, softball, basketball, and soccer. He served as President and was a longtime board member of the Hamilton Heights Amateur Sports Association (HHASA). He devoted a lot of extra time to organizing and prepping fields, concessions, equipment, working with the young players, coaching, umping and doing whatever needed to be done.

Tom had a deep passion and devoted countless hours of serving and leadership to the Hamilton County and Heartland Great Banquet Communities, as well as the Central Indiana Awakening Community for youth. He also felt very honored to be in the Eldership Apprentice Program at Cicero Christian Church. Tom also loved his town and really enjoyed serving the Town of Cicero with several years on the Cicero Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the Cicero/Jackson Township Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

Tom’s wife was the most important person in his world. He and Wendy were a team and are the spiritual rocks of the family. He loved his children fiercely and showed them how to be self-sufficient, love Jesus, and serve others in everything they do. Tom will be deeply and painfully missed until we all are reunited with him again someday. Until then, his legacy lives on through his wife, kids, and the thousands of lives he has touched in the name of Jesus.

Due to COVID, the funeral service will consist of family only. However, a candlelight celebration will occur in the Cicero Christian Church parking lot at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 19. Please arrive in the church lot between 4 and 4:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send words of encouragement and consider a family donation at gofundme.com/f/tom-warner-and-family-tribute-fund. Paper check donations can be made to Cicero Christian Church, 1715 Stringtown Pike, Cicero, IN 46034. Please put “Tom Warner Memorial Fund” in the memo section.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hartley Funeral Home, Cicero Chapel, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero, IIN 46034, where you may send condolences at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.