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IN LOVING MEMORY OF WALTER WARNER SR. (1932- 2020)
Walter Everett Warner Sr. was born on July 18, 1932 on the 100-acre -farm of his parents in Palmetto, Georgia. He was the sixth child born to the union of Beroy Sr. and Jessie Mae Phillips Warner: Doris, Beroy Jr., Caressie, Ethel, Julian, and Walter Sr. The family was expanded to seven by the birth of his sister, Irene in 1934, and, then to 8, with the birth of Beroy and Jessie’s grandson, Lee Andrew Knox. Everyone in the household helped to raise Lee.
Walter, nicknamed and known by most as “Bill”, spent the first twelve years of his life on the farm. He learned the nuances of farming, plowing and maintaining farm equipment. He was always dreaming of creating “better and easier ways to get the job done”. This one great ambition made Bill a very creative person who never shied away from hard work.
After moving to Cleveland Ohio, with his parents and entire family in 1944, Bill further refined his creative skills. He built exceptional things that peaked his interest beyond the ability of most young men his age. He built an unbelievable Medieval-style Crossbow that shot with the accuracy that one could only imagine. While attending school in the Cleveland Public School System, his creativity continued with his learning to build bicycles, airplanes and boats while in middle school.
Bill attended Glenville High School where he ran track and played football during his freshman year. Among his peers, he was known to be one of the fastest 100 yard- dash men in the Cleveland High School’s East Senate Conference during that time. Bill was relatively small in stature, but was very strong and muscular. He was encouraged to go out for football and he made the team. In one East Senate football game, he had the kind of game that most aspiring athletes only dream about. While playing defense, he intercepted a pass, and returned the ball almost 100 yards for a touchdown! That game was covered by the local newspapers (Plain Dealer, Cleveland Press) with headlines, photos and major text which described this phenomenal feat! He was an instant sports hero, at least for a day! He was named the All-Senate Player of the Week!!
During his last two years of high school, Bill decided to work nights performing maintenance at Case Western Reserve University. As he worked, he learned the importance of developing his skills, working hard and saving his money! This work experience reinforced his philosophy about hard work and useful skill development. After high school, Bill found his real passion for Woodshop and Cabinetmaking. He excelled at building fine furniture.
Shortly after graduating from high school, the Korean conflict heated up and Bill was drafted into the United States Army. He was very fortunate in not seeing any combat related action. He served mostly in Trieste, Italy for about three years. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bill returned home to Cleveland, Ohio.
Upon returning, he met the love of his life, Marlene Cardwell. He found a job working in a local cabinet shop, and was quickly recognized as a master craftsman in his trade. Bill and Marlene got married on September 1, 1956 in Cleveland, Ohio. They had four children: Diana, Craig, Walter and Doris. Bill built a brand new home for his family in Shaker Heights, Ohio in 1963. He worked exceptionally hard over the next few years and was able to start his own business in 1964- The Carnegie Plastic Cabinetry, Inc.
The Carnegie Plastic Cabinetry, Inc. has been listed in Cleveland, Ohio as an African American Business. He and his sons, Craig and Walter worked many years with Bill. Craig took over the business after Bill retired. The Company continued to thrive under Craig’s leadership. In the last several years, the Company was recognized on a local television station as an outstanding black business in East Cleveland, Ohio during Black History Month.
Bill, a man of few words, will long be remembered not by the words he expressed, but rather, by his kind demeanor and willingness to work harder than others to accomplish planned goals. Those that really knew him well: family, friends, loved ones, customers, or work associates, all knew that Bill’s WORD WAS HIS BOND. When it came to quality, Bill was a master of perfection- JUST ALRIGHT was NOT ACCEPTABLE to him!
Bill is survived by his wife Marlene, children Diana Hardy (Kevin), Craig (Cheryl), Walter Jr. (Daphne), and Doris. His 9 grandchildren: Tiffany, Brittany, Ashley, Blake, Courtney, Tyler, Michael, Bryce, and Jessica Hayes (Joseph). His four great-grandchildren: Alexys Hardy, Sophia Warner, Jordan and Jayden Hayes.
MISS ME-BUT LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little-but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me a little-but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me-but let me go.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The family of Walter Everett Warner Sr. extends our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family members for their expressions and acts of kindness in the home going of our loved one. Your assuring words and prayers during this time of bereavement have been greatly appreciated.
We send special thanks to the Montefiore Home in Beachwood, Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, and the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio for their outstanding medical care of Bill during his illness.
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