Thomas Warner Obituary

Warner
Thomas Warner
September 8, 1936
December 17, 2022

Thomas Warner
September 8, 1936
December 17, 2022
Thomas Warner was born in Washington, D.C. and was the only son, and youngest of three siblings, of Thomas Warner and Henrietta (Cagle) Warner. As a descendant of the Cagle family, he is a descendent of the Ransom Family: a family that started with Henry Ransom born in 1859 and extends to the family surnames of Cagle, Martin, Bostic and Brown and to the Warner family. Thomas also is a United States veteran who served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1977 with tours in the Philippines, Vietnam, Alaska and Germany.
During Thomas's high school years, he played several sports including, basketball, football, and track and field and he excelled at all, lettering in all three sports. He attended Randall Jr. High School (where he met his future wife, Leila Berthenia Mitchell) and attended Cardoza High School, both in Washington, D.C.
Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force in June of 1955 and was assigned as a radio relay equipment technician. He reenlisted in 1959, 1963, 1969, and 1972 and eventually retired in 1977. During his military career, Thomas excelled in solid state devices, including radio and radar technology and repair and he completed education and training courses in the field of electric digital systems, radar and radio repair and installation. While still in the military and stationed at Ent Air Force Base, Thomas was assigned to work at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) maintaining its radar equipment. NORAD is a United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning, aerospace control and maritime warning for North America.
In recognition of his military service, Thomas was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Metal in 1958, Air Force Good Conduct Metal with two bronze lapel pins in 1961, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in 1963, Air Force Good Conduct Metal and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1964, Air Force Good Conduct Metal with ten Oak Leaf Clusters in 1967, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Force Good Conduct Metal with four bronze Oak Leaf Clusters in 1976.
Thomas was a whiz with electronics. At one time while stationed in Colorado Springs, he built a color television from scratch which his family enjoyed for many years.
As an adult, Thomas was always on the move and excelled in sports, including club basketball and competitive bowling. His highest bowling achievement occurred during a tournament in Las Vegas when he scored 300, became a member of the 300 Club for bowlers and received a 300 Club ring. He also won a diamond ring, prize money and trophies in bowling competitions during his professional bowling career.
Following his military service, Thomas worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation in its radar maintenance and installation division.
After retiring from the private sector, Thomas remained active with his bowling tournaments and occasional visits to the local dog racing track, and he constantly found new ways to enjoy life.
Thomas is survived by his six children, Toran Keith Warner, Thomas Deon Warner, Anthony Bradley Warner, David Wesley Warner, Rodney Warner, Sr. and Kamilah Rashida Nye; thirteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his older sister, Musetha Costner; his sisters-in-law, Constance Ford and Kim Prince; and his daughters-in-law and son-in-law, Irma Warner, Deidre Warner, Sharonda Pettiett, Tanya Warner, Kelli Jo Brown and Christopher Nye; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.