William Eugene Warner

 Rev. William E. Warner 98, left his earthly home to be welcomed by his heavenly Father with open arms on June 14th, 2024. He loved the Lord with all his heart and lived for the sole purpose of pointing people to God. Bill loved teaching God’s ways to people and it thrilled him to see them grow hungry for more of the Lord. Preceded in death by his parents William C. and Lucille E Warner. and son Robert Messenger. He is survived by his wife, helpmate and the love of his life LaVerne (Shorty), sons Clint/Sarah Messenger , James/Jamie , grandson Jimmy , Gavin, Shaelyn/Devin and Kolby Canterbury and last but not least greatly missed by his grand pups Lily and Evie who still look for him daily.

 Bill lived in the Cuyahoga Falls, Akron area all his life, where he retired from Ohio Edison/First Energy after 34 years, and he was proud of the fact that he had been retired for more years than he actually worked. Bill worked heavy equipment in the Fairlawn office and worked up the ranks to his last position which was Office Manager of P & T Construction over three divisions in Fairlawn, Toledo and Boardman.

 On February 14, 1958 he was invited to attend services at Calvary Temple, where he was introduced to Jesus by a little known minister by the name of Rex Humbard, who was preaching a message about Peter walking on the water. Bill being a former bartender and never hearing about this man Jesus before began his walk with Christ that day, changing his life forever. He started studying the bible, going to classes and making calls wherever he was sent ( over 1,500 in a year ). He just wanted to witness to people what God did for him, He could do for them also. So in 1967 he was ordained by Rex into the Evangelical Church Alliance, and stayed on the ministerial staff at the Cathedral of Tomorrow for many years until he left to pastor his own church. Bill then helped in various ministries until God moved him into the AMHA Nimmer Bldg. on Brittain Rd, where he pastored for over 25 years. When covid closed the building he kept the ministry alive by doing messages and bible studies over the phone. His desire to serve God never left him, even witnessing from his hospice bed.

 William served in World War II, stationed both in the Philippines and Japan, as part of the Army 35th Recon M.P Division. He was also a Freemason in Coventry-Akron Lodge #83 for 69 years. Lastly and most importantly he was an excellent step father to Robert, James and Clinton Messenger , teaching them how important it is to have God in their lives. James also wanted it noted how thankful he was that Bill taught him how to be a good stepfather.

 As you read this I will be with my Lord Jesus Christ and I would like to leave this with you. The best years of my life have been with my wife Shorty as we served the Lord together. I couldn’t have made it these last 36 years without her love, patience and dedication to the Lord. We lived life to the fullest serving the Lord together, seeing many saved & lifted up which was our greatest joy. As all of you know I loved to sing and as I am waiting for you to join me I’ll be singing my favorite song:

 If I leave this world of sorrow sometime before you do, just look for me in heaven & we’ll take the long ages thru. If at first you fail to see me, let me tell you where I’ll be, I’ll be thanking Christ my Savior, for saving a wretch like me. Don’t look neath the gates of pearl…don’t look on the streets of gold… don’t look by the walls of jasper… nor among the many sights untold. For I’ve been longing and I’ve been waiting …for the precious Holy One to meet.. there I’ll be thru the countless ages, look for me at Jesus feet. See you there !

 The family would like to thank Deaconess Geraldine Bernard for her faithfulness, also the excellent staff at Cleveland Clinic Hospice, Annie his nurse, Tammy his aide, Peter his social worker and Tyler for his spiritual care. Bill wanted to thank Clinton and Sarah, no matter the need they were on call 24/7. He also wanted to thank Becky & Herb Waidmann for their support and visits, which he loved. Cremation has taken place by Adams Funeral Home and a memorial service will be held at a later time. Cards may be sent to the family or leave a message on the Legacy guest book .