Raymond C. Warner

A passionate man, Ray Warner lived his life with great love for his wife, children and grandchildren. Hardworking and successful, he enjoyed the physical labor of farming for a majority of his life. Although he spent many years busy on the family farm, his greatest treasure was the time he spent with his close-knit family, especially around the holidays. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, Ray will be sorely missed and remembered for his lively personality by all who knew and loved him. In the year 1938, Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds was broadcast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs held its Hollywood premiere, and the New England area was hit with a raging hurricane across the Atlantic Ocean. Clyde and Elizabeth (Williams) Warner welcomed home their newborn son, Raymond Clyde, on July 13th in Allegan, Michigan. Born the second oldest of four children, he grew up sharing many memorable moments with each of them. Growing up in the Watson area, he learned the value of a hard day’s work at an early age. A large part of his developing years were spent on his parents’ farm. He fell in love with the day to day chores and duties as well as the fresh air. His siblings; Marie, Russ, and George managed to share much of the workload as well as their fair share of mischief over the years. The life of a farmer is unforgiving as the animals need daily attention and care. It was no surprise that after he graduated with the Class of 1957 from Martin High School, Ray spent a short time at Michigan State University to study agriculture. After returning home, he met and fell in love with the local Dairy Princess, Patricia Wuis at Ganges Dance Hall near Saugatuck. Smitten from the start, the happy couple joined in marriage on April 24, 1959. Together they raised five wonderful children; Jim, Sharon, Jeff, Phil, and Kevin. As a father, Ray instilled in his children the value of being selfless as well as hardworking. There simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for each of them. They shared much of their time on the family farm and built close relationships with one another. The family farm has always been a place of gathering, known by many as “The Coffee Shop”. Some of the best memories were made gathered around the kitchen table. Ray wanted nothing but the best for his children and shared in their every success. When he was blessed with grandchildren, he enjoyed being a part of their lives. He attended many of their special events and cheered them on from the sidelines. Lucky for them to have such an outpouring of unconditional love, and lucky for him to be able to build close relationships with each and every one of them. They were very special to him and he loved them dearly. In addition to the pleasure of spending time with his growing family, Ray also shared many special interests. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and with a little encouragement, he even played locally at The Barn in Shelbyville. Known for his green thumb, it was no surprise that he had a large flower garden as well as a vegetable garden. Ray loved to reap the rewards by canning each season, a habit he taught to his family members as well. Life didn’t get much better than doing exactly what he loved, making a delicious meal with much of the contents grown right on his own land. Ray loved to serve up his latest twists on recipes with plenty to go around. As a matter of fact, many of his friends and neighbors were accustomed to him sharing his fresh vegetables from his crop each year. He was an exceptional cook, as well as baker, and no one ever went hungry! Ray looked forward to the times he could get up north to enjoy his cabin on forty acres in Ralph, Michigan. Any amount of time here was special to him. He loved to be outdoors whether it was tending to his farm or enjoying hunting time. In the past seven years, he had been active with “At The Master’s Feet” church, his home church and place of worship. Described as strong-willed and caring, Ray leaves behind a rich collection of special memories for his family and many special friends to cherish forever. Raymond C. Warner, of Allegan passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at the age of 81. Raymond was born on July 13, 1938 in Allegan, MI. He was the son of Clyde and Elizabeth (Williams) Warner. Raymond graduated from Martin High School with the Class of 1957. After high school he went on to Michigan State University to complete his education in Agriculture. On April 24, 1959 he married Patricia Wuis, and together they raised five children. Raymond will be remembered by his family and friends as strong-willed, caring and selfless. His love of being a dairy farmer carried out in the joy he had watching his kids and grandkids take part in 4-H activities. You could always find Ray gardening, cooking and canning or playing his harmonica. Raymond’s belief in God was the foundation to the life he built. Raymond is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia; five children: Jim Warner, of Allegan; Sharon (Randy) Watson, of Shelbyville; Jeff Warner, of Allegan; Phillip (Tina) Warner, of Allegan; Kevin (Mindy) Warner, of Allegan; 12 grandchildren: Jane (Keith) Moon, Matt (Lisa) Watson, Meagan (Jimmy) Bender, Hailey Warner, Kristopher Warner, Morgan Warner, Kamery (Ty) Wolthuis, Haven Warner, Collin Warner, Kiaya Warner, Briana Warner, & Braylon Warner; and 9 great grandchildren; Benjamin, Alexis, Carter, Bryer, Kylee, Alyssa, Ryan, Cameron, & Connor. He is survived by his siblings: Marie Roos, of Grandville, Russ (Mary) Warner, of Shelbyville, and George Warner, of Shelbyville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his daughter-in-laws: Dana Warner and Kristin Warner; sister-in-law: Judy Warner; and brother-in-law: Robert Roos. Greet family and friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a memorial service following at 11 AM, Monday, July 13 at At The Master’s Feet Church, 814 21st Street, Otsego, MI with a visitation starting at 10 AM. Please visit www.mccowensecord.com to sign his guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Marshall-Gren Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, MI 49080 269-685-5881.