John Mordecai Warner, 86, of Newark, died Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Altercare of Newark South. He was born April 21, 1938 in Sunbury, OH to the late Thurman "T.G." and Josephine (Woodward) Warner.

John was very involved with several local associations, including Homer PTO and Northridge School Board. He served various positions within the Union Local 1037 at Rockwell from where he retired. John also worked for Northridge Schools in Transportation and various maintenance positions. John showed sheep at various county fairs earning recognition and notoriety. He was Santa Claus at Columbus City Center and other various locations. He coached several teams for Babe Ruth, Little League, and girls fast pitch softball and refereed various sports. In his free time he enjoyed golfing and was an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan..

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Tessa; daughters, Vicky Graham, Kim (Tom) Dusenbury and Amy (Keith) Sager; step children, Joe Ruple, Brenda Conway, Doug Ruple and Wally Jacks; 11 grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; one great great grandson; special nephew, Curtis Hyatt; siblings, Nancy (Richard) Montgomery, Dick (Karen) Warner, Tom (Tina) Warner; Donald Warner, and Gene Warner; sister-in-law, LeeAnn Warner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Penny Bonham; granddaughter, Heather Wright; step grandson, Zachary Ruple; brothers Jim, Bill, Eugene and Pat; sisters, Lenabelle, Ruth, Jane, and Joy May; and mother-in-law, Dorothy Mick.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John to Brighter Day Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 14873, Columbus, OH 43214.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com