Robert R. Warnock, Jr., 83, of Edwardsburg, MI passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 22, 2021 at his home. He was born May 19, 1937 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late Robert R. and Emma Jane (Govier) Warnock, Sr. On June 3, 1961 in Edgerton, OH, he married Margaret (Herman) Warnock, who survives.
In addition to his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Robert is survived by his daughter, Letitia (Tony) Balentine of Osceola, IN; sons, Robert (Tamara) Warnock III of Lakeville, IN, Vard Warnock of Fort Wayne, IN, and Jerod (Meredith) Warnock of Mishawaka, IN; seven grandchildren, Robert (Emily) Warnock IV, Katie Warnock, Branden (Kaylee) Balentine, Drake Balentine, Laine Warnock, Mackenzie Warnock, Aaron Warnock; four great-grandchildren, Ruby and Kitt King-Balentine, Remington Warnock, and Quinn Warnock; and three sisters, Mary Jane Westendorf-Lulos of Fort Wayne, IN, Ruth Schmidt of Pittsburgh, PA, and Karen (Steve) Richards of Fort Wayne, IN. He is preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as his daughter, Melinda Campbell.
Robert graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1955 and served in the United States Army Reserves. He worked as a labor representative for the Teamsters Union for 11 years, served as President of Teamsters local 364 for over 20 years, and was President of the Northern Indiana AFL-CIO before retiring in 2014. Robert served as President of Indiana Teamsters Joint Council 69, was a trustee of pension and health and welfare funds that provided benefits to union members and was the labor representative for St. Joseph County United Way. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash award from Governor Kernan for his distinguished service to the state.
Robert was a current member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, and a previous member of Sacred Heart for over 30 years. He was also a member of the South Bend Maennerchor Club and the Indiana Water Board, as well as the labor representative on the IUSB Board of Trustees.
Robert greatly loved his family and friends and was always more than willing to help and support them in any way. He was admired and respected by all who knew him.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately by Robert's wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. He will be laid to rest in Porter Rea Cemetery in North Liberty, IN. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Palmer Funeral Homes-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Robert may be made to United Way of St. Joseph County, 3517 E. Jefferson Ave., South Bend, IN 46615.
Online condolences can be sent to the Warnock family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
A livestream of the mass will begin at 12 PM EST on Friday, January 29, 2021. To view the livestream, please use the following link: https://evt.live/robertwarnockjr
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