Warner H. V An Dyne

Warner Van Dyne

Warner H. Van Dyne died peacefully at home on September 5th, 2014. He was a true gentleman and an outstanding person who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his great care and concern for others, an incredible work ethic, his intelligence, and a terrific sense of humor.

Warner was born September 19th, 1913 in Putnam County on the family farm, where he lived most of his life, to parents Carmie and Hazel (Clapper) Van Dyne. He attended Dorset School in the country before graduating from Unionville High School in 1932.

A devoted and wonderful son, husband, dad, and grandpa, he was most proud of his family. He married Ruby Medlin, the love of his life and his constant companion, on September 18th, 1937. They raised three children and were together nearly every day for 66 years.

Warner was a lifelong farmer and resident of Unionville, where he was an upstanding citizen in the community. He was a member of the Missouri Farmer’s Association, the Production Credit Association (for which he served on the board), and the Unionville Christian Church, as well as a board member of the Hillcrest School for many years.

He had a gentle spirit and a gift with animals of all kinds, including a passion for horses. From an early age, and through the Great Depression, he worked with his father to train saddle horses and teams of horses – some making their way as far as Europe - to make ends meet.

While the world changed significantly during his nearly 101 years of life, Warner remained much the same. He was hard-working, fair, honest, and kind. He loved to visit, had a welcoming smile and unsurpassed charm, was a gifted storyteller and jokester. He was a good neighbor, friend, and family man. Even as times grew more complicated, he was able to see to the heart of almost any matter. Simply put he was the best of men. He leaves this world after a full life but when his loving kindness is needed more than ever.

Warner was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruby - whom he cared for faithfully during her long illness, son Gary, and daughter-in-law Caroll, as well as sisters Nielsen Hunt, Carol Stuckey, and Corrine Fowler. Survivors include: daughter Sonja and son Donald; grandchildren Phillip, Cara Dawn, Carmie (and wife Rachel), Crystal, and Stacie; and great-grandson Christopher. He is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins who he adored.

The family would like to thank the many people who visited him in his later years, and to offer a special thanks to the staff of the Putnam County Care Center who he regarded highly as friends.


A visitation will be held at the Playle and Jones Funeral Home on Saturday, October 18th from 12:30 pm until 1:30 pm. A graveside service at Unionville Cemetery will follow the visitation and is opened to all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to an organization that serves his community, including The Putnam County Gift Fund, University of Missouri, Extension Development Office, or the PC Café & Resource Center. These may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.