Henry Warren, Jr.
March 7, 1918 - July 18, 2010
- Visitations:
- July 22, 2010, Thursday, 3:00 to 6:00 P.M.
Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel (GET DIRECTIONS) - Services:
- July 23, 2010, Friday, 4:00 P.M.
First Presbyterian Church (GET DIRECTIONS) - Cemetery Location: Belvidere Cemetery (GET DIRECTIONS)
Henry Russell Warren, Jr.
“Hank”
Henry Russell Warren, Jr., better know as “Hank” was born March 7, 1918 in Belvidere, Illinois to Henry Russell and Ardie Woods Warren. Hank was a member of the first graduating class of Keith Country Day School, later attending Belvidere High School where he excelled in track and football. He ran a 9.8 second 100-yard dash in soft cinders and his relay team set the conference record. Hank later attended Beloit College in Wisconsin where he studied anthropology, graduating in 1940. There he continued his pursuit of athletics in football and track, also becoming a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Hank later received a degree in the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
An Honorably Discharged Veteran, he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps in Guadalcanal during WW II attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a Communications specialist.
Upon military discharge, Hank returned to Kenne-Belvidere Canning Company as Vice President of farming operations where he had worked since age 13. In 1948 he joined Stokely-Van Camp as East Central Divisional Sales Manager. In 1954 he left Stokely to become the Assistant to the Marketing Vice President at Lever Bros., later returning to Stokely to become General Sales Manager, and finally Director and Vice President of Marketing. In this capacity Hank was responsible for the purchase and introduction of Gatorade as a product. As an entrepreneur, he owned numerous business ventures including French Monk Winery.
In December 28, 1940 he was united in marriage to Barbara Adell Funderburg during their Christmas break from college. Their union was blessed with four children. Hank and Barbara were avid sports enthusiasts, which translated to their support of many programs. Hank was Chairman of the Board of the Indianapolis Indians during the creation of the ‘new’ Victory Field. Further, he and his wife were avid Indiana University supporters. They were long standing Hoosier Hundred and Indiana University Foundation members where they assisted with the funding of the football program.
Hank has been recognized in The World Who’s Who of Finance and Industry (1970/71) and the World Who’s Who of Commerce & Industry (1967/68). He was awarded The Council of The Sagamores of the Wabash by Governor Harold Hanley in 1960, Honorary Citizen of Tennessee by Governor Frank G. Clement in 1965, and Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Louie B. Nunn in 1971. He also received personal correspondences from then Vice President Hubert Humphrey regarding their meetings about business matters in the United States.
His numerous memberships include Woodstock Country Club, Traders Point Hunt Club, University Club, Indianapolis Athletic Club, Columbia Club, Newcomen Society of North America, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, the American Legion and the American Business Club.
Henry Russell Warren, Jr. passed away on July 18, 2010. He is survived by one son, Hugh K. “Brick” Warren; three daughters, Sandra Bishop Warren, Barbara K. “Barrie” Russell and Russell J. “Rusty” Warren; 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather on Thursday July 22nd from 3:00 to 6:00 pm in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Funeral services will be held on Friday July 23rd at 4:00 pm in First Presbyterian Church, Belvidere, IL with family and friends gathering from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Interment will follow in Belvidere Cemetery.
You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Hank, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to the Indiana University Foundation or Veteran’s of Valor.