Fred Joseph Warner Sr's Obituary
Fred Joseph Warner, Sr., born on February 23, 1934, in Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and love. He was the beloved son of Henry Carl Warner and Lucille B. Warner.
Fred was married to his cherished wife, Virginia Louise Warner, for 62 wonderful years until her passing on January 1, 2020. Together, they built a loving family, including their son, Mark Henry Warner of Arlington, TN, and grandson, Zachary Joseph Warner (Erica Andrus) of Braden, TN. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Paula Agostinelli Warner of Bartlett, TN, and sisters-in-law, Ann Warner of Memphis, TN, and Nancy Cammuse (Terry) of Troy, TN.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Louise Warner, their son, Fred Joseph Warner, Jr., who passed on April 13, 2020, and his brother, Carl “Bud” Warner of Memphis.
A devoted member of the United Methodist Church since 1972, Fred served faithfully as the President of the Men’s Breakfast for 22 years. His commitment to his faith and community was unwavering.
Fred proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, spending 18 months in Germany. Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished career with the Memphis Police Department, serving from 1957 until his retirement as Deputy Chief in 1994. Over his 36 1/2 years with the department, Fred received numerous commendations for his work in burglar and hold-up arrests, drug seizures, undercover operations, and auto theft activities. He was the Commander of the Investigative Services Division for 15 years and received the prestigious Gold Medallion Award from the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1973.
Fred’s dedication extended beyond his professional life. He was a graduate of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Justice Department’s first 10-week school in Washington, DC, in 1970, and he started the first drug undercover operation in Memphis in 1971. He served on Mayor Chandler’s Commission on Drugs for five years and was honored by the Memphis Police Department recruits of the 96th session in July 2007.
A respected member of several professional organizations, Fred was involved with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, and the National Fraternal Order of Police.
Fred was also a dedicated member of the Masonic Fraternity, serving as Past Master of Desoto Lodge and a member for over 60 years. He was a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor with the Scottish Rite for over 50 years and a member of the Alchymia Shriners for over 50 years. Additionally, he was a proud member of the American Legion.
Fred Joseph Warner, Sr. will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of service and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.
The family invites friends to gather Wednesday November 13, 2024, from visitation from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, Tn 38119. Funeral services will be at 1:00pm Thursday November 14, 2024 at Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Bartlett United Methodist Church or the Memphis Police Association in his honor.
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