[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1997-E1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOE WARNER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2002

  Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life of a dear, close friend of mine Joe Warner, who tragically 
passed away in a plane crash shortly after takeoff on July 22, 2002.
  Many of our nation's greatest servants silently and humbly transform 
communities out of the goodness of their hearts, selfless generosity, 
and a dedication to improving the welfare of loved ones and those whom 
they have never met. Joe Warner was one of these servants, and he 
serves as an inspiration to us all.
  Joe was born on July 3, 1942 in DeKalb, Illinois to Paul and Doris 
Walkey Warner. He attended Northern Illinois University and received 
his NMA from the University of Illinois.

[[Page E1998]]

Joe then went on to become President and CEO of Heritage Enterprises, a 
longterm care corporation, located in Bloomington, Illinois.
  The elderly of Illinois have greatly benefited from the leadership 
and dedication that Joe continuously displayed throughout his life. 
Whether it was in his capacity as President and CEO of Heritage 
Enterprises or the President of the Illinois Health Care Association, 
Joe tirelessly advocated on behalf of Illinois' seniors to ensure they 
were afforded the highest quality of care.
  Not only have Illinois' elderly lost a friend and advocate, but our 
youth have as well. Prior to his passing, Joe had taken on the role of 
planner and fundraiser for the $3 Million Challenger Learning Center, 
which will be an educational site for children to focus on studying 
math and science.
  Joe Warner was involved in scores of organizations and knew the 
importance of investment in his community. He also knew the importance 
of investing in his family, and was a great husband and father to his 
wife, Rose Stadel, and their two children Jeff and Jennifer. The memory 
of Joe Warner will continue through his numerous contributions to his 
community. On July 22nd, Illinois lost a respected and admired friend. 
He will be missed. I ask you, my colleagues, to rise today in salute of 
the rich legacy Joe Warner has left behind.

                          ____________________