Howard Eugene Warns

Warns, Howard Eugene 89, of St. Petersburg, passed away on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at home under Hospice care. Howard was born in Corning, NY, on September 25, 1921. Howard's family moved to St. Petersburg in 1925. He attended St. Petersburg High School where during his senior year he was president of his class and an active member of the track team. He won the state championship in the 100-yard dash, broad jump, and half mile relay. Howard was the first governor of the American Legions Boy's State in 1940. He graduated from St. Petersburg Jr. College, where he was president of the student body in 1942. He joined the U.S. Navy and received his wings as an Ensign later that year. He was stationed in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, South America and Homestead, FL. In the Navy, he flew blimps on anti-submarine missions and air/sea rescue patrols. He served in WWII and received a WWII Victory Medal. Howard was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Lieutenant. In August, 1946, he married Marjorie A. Owens of Elizabeth City, N.C. He entered law school in September, 1946, at the University of Florida and graduated with honors in September, 1948. At the University of Florida, he was a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Delta Phi. Howard and Marjorie returned to St. Petersburg to settle down and start a family. He had a general law practice for many years and eventually concentrated on probate matters. For about forty-five years, Howard played badminton three days a week at the downtown YMCA during his lunch hour. He traveled with his badminton companions around the southeastern U.S. and played in many tournaments. Howard was a long-term member of the controlling board of the American Legion Hospital for Crippled Children and was president in 1964-65, when the name changed to All Children's Hospital. Howard's other civic activities included serving as an Associate Municipal Judge for St. Petersburg for eight years, past Chairman of the Board and Trustee of Pasadena Community Church; manager of the Arlington Memorial Chapels; and co-owner of the Owosso Hotel in downtown St. Petersburg. He was a longtime member of Pasadena Community Church, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the Bucketeers Club. Howard loved being with his family and friends enjoying the outdoors (fishing, boating, camping and hunting). He had a great sense of humor and was always looking for a laugh. He made the world a brighter place and was loved by many. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marjorie Warns, son Thomas Warns and sister, Helen Zimmanck. He is survived by his daughters, Patty Alsina (Rob) and Beverly Skladzien. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Bobby and Kimberly Alsina, and Emilie Skladzien; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service in celebration of his life will be held at Pasadena Community Church in the Goodwin Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Suncoast Hospice with special thanks to the Orange team or Parkinson's Research Foundation in his memory. His family wants to thank each of his loyal and compassionate caregivers.