Dorothea Louise Warner, 67, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
Louise was born on August 23, 1958, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to George “Dick” and Dorothy (Nevius) Gum. She grew up fishing with her dad, gardening with her mom, and caring for her four younger siblings: Pat Furrow (Doug) of Orange Beach, AL, Barbara Cardiasmenos (Cris) of Kimberling City, MO, Penny Coonis (Mike) of Fair Grove, MO and Ben Gum (Dawna) of Lenexa, KS.
She accepted Christ as her Savior at age six at Westside Baptist Church and was baptized at nine, beginning a lifetime of faithful service.
Louise graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1976 and earned her CNA license, working at the local hospital. A month spent in Argentina with her missionary aunt and uncle awakened a calling to missions that shaped the rest of her life. She later attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, earning a degree in Biblical Studies. There she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Warner, whom she married on December 23, 1978.
Louise was blessed with four children: Sarah Reiss (Joel) of Hutchinson, KS, Joseph Warner (Melissa) of Weatherford, TX, Robert Warner (Kat) of Williamsburg, VA, and William Warner (Brittney) of El Dorado, KS and 13 grandchildren. She served in various church ministries in Kansas and Michigan while pursuing her passion for education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1991 and later a Master’s degree from Newman University in English as a Second Language and Curriculum Design. She spent more than 20 years teaching students in general education, special education, ESL, and music.
After the passing of her husband in 2011, Louise returned to Hutchinson. She was affirmed as a missionary in 2012 with Baptist Bible Fellowship International and moved to the Philippines in 2015, serving at Baptist Bible College of Asia. She taught classes, mentored students, and hosted evangelistic gatherings. She also oversaw the renovation of a ministry property that became known as The Warner House - a center for training, fellowship, missionary housing, and church ministry.
Louise lived with a congenital heart defect throughout her life, requiring two open-heart surgeries and later a pacemaker. Declining health prevented her return to the Philippines, but she remained faithful until the Lord called her home.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2025, at Westside Baptist Church, 400 W. 12th St., Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at at Elliott Mortuary.