Leland M. “Bud” Warner was born September 1, 1929 to Clay and Dessa (Hulen) Warner at Moorefield, Nebraska. He went home to his Lord on February 4, 2025.

Bud grew up in the Moorefield area, receiving education there until the high school closed. He graduated from Farnam High School in 1947. Bud joined the Navy April 5, 1948, serving five years. He made 4 trips across the Pacific, that included time in Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, China, Japan and Korea. He was also involved in the Korean War. He received his Honorable Discharge March 4, 1953. Bud was very honored and proud to serve his country for 5 years. His service was honored in March 2014 when he was chosen as one taking the Korean Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was also honored in January 2020 and received the Quilt of Valor for his military service.

He married June Ihrig in 1952. To this union four children were born. Scott, Dixie, Jeffrey and Valerie.

Bud was employed by Del Monte Foods for 23 years, retiring in 1985. While working for Del Monte he received their highest honor, the Sales Master Award.

On April 29, 1983, Bud and Illa Mae Cochran Shaffer were married. They made their first home in Gering, Nebraska where they were members of Calvary Evangelical Free Church. In 1985, they moved to Imperial, Nebraska where Bud was employed by the Frenchman Valley Coop as a Field Rep. They moved to North Platte in 1991 where he worked in advertising sales for KRVN Radio for 22 yrs.

In August 1961 Bud accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was an active member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church. He had served as a deacon, head usher and on the education and nominating committees. He also had served on the district board of Evangelical Free Churches, helping church plants. One of his most loved ministries was helping serve at the nursing homes doing monthly services. Whenever a helping hand was needed at church, Bud was always ready to help. Bud and Illa belonged to a Bible Study group, Schroeder’s Warriors, that became like a family to them.

Survivors include sons, Scott (Teri) Warner of Hawaii, Jeff (Michelle) Warner of Independence Missouri, daughters, Dixie (David) Scharf of Lincoln, Nebraska and Valerie Rexus of Gering, Nebraska. Grandchildren include Ryan (Kenette) Scharf, Brooks (LaRonda) Scharf, Baillie (Jeff) Reisburg, Lindsey (Brian) Ellis, Cole (Stephanie) Coplen, Katy Warner and 13 great grandchildren.

Also surviving and step-daughter Joni (Mike) Sigwing of Gering, step-sons, Jim (Roz) of Paxton and Jeff (Jenny) of Las Vegas. Step-grandchildren are Amy Mae Pullens, Ashley (Tony) Reed, Amber (Andre) Dowdell, Joshua Shaffer, Jennifer Shaffer, Alica (Luke) Peterson, Alex Shaffer, Jamey Shaffer, Nick Shaffer and nine step-great grandchildren and one great great step grandchild. Other survivors include sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruby and Keith Sailors of North Platte, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Bud in death are his wife, Illa, his parents, niece Judy Kay Crossley, sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Dale Berry, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Lavon (Dean) Woody and Ramon (Ray) Wlaschin, Harold (Maxine) Cochran, Step-grandson Matthew Shaffer, and in-laws Harry and Lillian Cochran.

Funeral Services will be held at Bethel Evangelical Free Church on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 1-7 p.m., with family receiving well-wishers from 5-7 p.m., at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Carpenter Memorial Chapel