Bennett “Ben” L. Warner, 85, of South Whitley, Ind., died at 6:09 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at Parkview Whitley Hospital Emergency Room where he was brought earlier.

He was born Sept. 29, 1928, in Kosciusko County, Ind., a son of the late Delbert R. and Jessie A. (Reed) Warner. His formative years were spent in eastern Kosciusko County. He attended Sidney High School.

On Jan. 2, 1951, he entered into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and was honorably discharged on Oct. 2, 1952.

On April 10, 1951, he was united in marriage to Mabel J. Joy at Fort Belvoir Army base outside Washington, D.C. After his return from the Army, they made their home on a farm in rural South Whitley. In 1962, they moved to South Whitley. From 1994 to present they spent the winter months in Frostproof, Fla.

A career truck driver, he started with Metzger Trucking, Silver Lake, Ind. After his military service, he was employed by South Whitley Trucking for 33 years until the company closed in 1984. He then served as a custodian for Whitko Schools until 1991.

He was a member of Eel River Community Church of the Brethren. He currently was attending Collamer Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife: Mabel; four children: Jerry (Sheryl) Warner, Westfield, Ind.; Thomas Warner, South Whitley; Jane (Charles) Trump, South Whitley; and David (Tonya) Warner, South Whitley; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother: Jimmie (Bonnie) Warner, Columbia City, Ind.; and three sisters: Bonnie Ross, South Whitley; Rosalie Hossler, Fort Wayne; and Charlene (Lionel) Ussery, Swayzee, Ind.

He was preceded in death by a sister: Norma J. Arnold; and a daughter-in-law: Lu Ann Warner.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, No. 27, at the funeral home with Pastor David Wagner officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery with Military Honors.

Preferred memorials are to the South Whitley Food Bank or Collamer Christian Church.