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Paul David Warnex, a cherished family man, revered educator, and an inspiration to many, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at his home in Diamondhead Lake, Iowa. Born on October 4, 1954, in Lexington, Missouri to John David and Barbara (Wood) Warnex, Paul's life was a testament to his kind, selfless, and loving nature.
Paul attended Fort Osage High School where he developed a passion for music that would shape his entire career. An esteemed graduate of Central Missouri State University, he earned his Bachelor of Music Education in 1977 and his Master of Arts in Trombone Performance in 1980. His dedication to music education was evident through his 35 years as an instrumental director, during which he nurtured the talents of countless young musicians.
His career began as Director of Bands at Holden High School in Holden, Missouri, from 1977 to 1979. Paul then shared his expertise with the LeMars Community Schools in LeMars, Iowa, from 1980 to 1989, before moving to Liberty Public Schools in Liberty, Missouri, where he continued to inspire students until his retirement in 2013. His dedication to excellence was recognized with numerous accolades, including the ASBDA Outstanding Young Band Director in Iowa Award in 1984, the Phi Beta Mu "Charlie Emmons Award" for outstanding band director in 2002, the prestigious John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor (Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, 2002), and in 2013, he was honored as the Outstanding Music Educator for the State of Missouri (National Federation of High School Activities), a fitting tribute to his impactful career.
Paul's influence extended beyond the classroom. He held various local, state, and regional offices in Missouri and Iowa, contributing his expertise to the music education community. As an adjudicator and guest conductor, he led bands throughout the Midwest, leaving a legacy of musical excellence. He performed on trombone with community bands in LeMars, Liberty, and Cameron. His passion for music also took him on adventures across the globe as he led student groups to perform in prestigious venues in New York, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Canada, Colorado, and Europe. He was blessed to lead his church youth group to the Holy Land in 1984.
Paul's personal life was as rich and harmonious as his professional one. He met the love of his life, Deborah Lynn Kallenbach, at Central Missouri State University. They both studied music education and married on August 6, 1977, in Cameron, Missouri. Their lives were blessed in 1991 with the birth of their only son, David, in Liberty, MO, with whom he shared his passion for music, education, and serving others.
After retiring, Paul and Deb settled into the serene community of Diamondhead Lake. There, Paul embraced the joys of boating, barbequing, playing golf, and engaging with his men's breakfast group.
Paul's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Deb; his son, David (Holly) Warnex, of Independence, Missouri; his mother Barbara Warnex, of Independence, Missouri; his grandson, Noah Alexander Warnex; his sister, Rebecca (Cy) Ritter of Kansas City, Missouri; his sister-in-law Shelley (Bob) Ocker of Cameron, Missouri; and his brother-in-law, Jeff (Deanne) Kallenbach, of Parkville, Missouri. Paul also leaves behind ten nieces and nephews, each of whom will miss his guidance and fun spirit.
Preceding Paul in passing is his father, John David Warnex.
Paul David Warnex lived a life of harmony, creating a symphony of love, education, and community that will resonate for generations to come. His unwavering commitment to his family, students, and the music he so dearly loved will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring melody of his life's work and the countless lives he touched with his unending sense of humor, music, and heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at the Cameron United Methodist Church, Cameron, Missouri (201 N. Pine, Cameron, Missouri 64429). Visitation will be held prior to from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Private Inurnment will take place in the Cameron Memory Gardens Cemetery.
To send flowers in memory of Paul David Warnex, visit the Tribute Store.
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