Fred Anthony Warner
1925 - 2018
Today things seem quiet because earlier this month we lost a legend. Fred Anthony Warner (known as ‘The Fox’) a veteran of Guadalcanal, forty-one years with the LAPD, LAX and LA Harbor police forces, passed away in Banning, California surrounded by his loved ones.
His life –most of which was spent in harm’s waywas defined in both service to his country and society.
Born in Los Angeles (in 1925) Fred was a high school stand out in football, basketball and track at Van Nuys High School. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fred, at age seventeen—and with some help from his mother-- lied about his age and enlisted in the US Navy. He was sent to Guadalcanal where he earned a purple heart when his ship was hit –blown in half-- and sunk by a Japanese torpedo plane. He spent the next few years in the Pacific Theater earning several combat citations and he documented much of the experience as a photographer capturing images not just of the war but also the island natives who tried to live in peace.
Fred made it home safely, served in the United States Air National Guard and married his high school sweetheart, Carol Myers (AKA Slim).
He took a job at Warner Bros. Studios where he met many luminaries including Joan Crawford, Betty Grable, and rocked the stagecoach for scenes with Errol Flynn and others. He was then hired on to the LAPD beginning what would be a life-long career in law enforcement where he redefined the term ‘Protect and Serve.’ After 25 years with LAPD, he became the top law enforcement officer at LAX International Airport, where he re-defined airport security and put in place security innovations that are still the standard today. He then became the top law enforcement officer (Chief and Port Warden) of World Port L.A., where he worked to modernize the joint task force (boat patrol and ground patrol) that would later become part of the first line of defense against terrorism. Warner also became a life-long member of the Harbor Masters Association and Captains Association and the California boating and Safety Association. He also served as instructor at the Los Angeles Harbor College.
‘The Fox’ was also an artist who worked in oils and won several awards as a painter and photographer. Fred also worked as an actor, vocalist and MC. He retired and moved to Sun Lakes, California where he volunteered to serve on the Banning Police and Fire Commission. He was a member of the American Legion (since 1947), Elks Lodge Beaumont, Rotary Club, The Sun Lakes Arts League, International Culture Club, The Golf Club, The Big Band Dance Club and was part of the cast of The Sun Lakes Follies for several years. He was always the first one –and sometimes the only one—to break out and sing a song to any crowd (or any party.)
He spent his later years as a world traveler visiting Alaska, Hawaii and Europe several times and quietly donated to several charities including, The United States Coast Guard Foundation, The Humane Society, Paralyzed Veterans Of America and The Make The World A Better Place Foundation, (started by his Great-granddaughter, Shawn) where he was responsible for bringing Christmas to hundreds of homeless children year after year.
In conversations earlier this year, The Fox was often seen with a proud smile and quoted as saying ‘I’ve had a good life.’ --and, indeed he had! Perhaps it is the lyrics from his favorite performer, Frank Sinatra, that defined him best…. ‘I’ve lived a life that’s full I’ve traveled each and every Highway But more, much more than this…. I did it my way.’ Fred Warner is remembered, not just by his wife of seventy-three years, Carol, his three daughters Robin, Kellie and Shannon (he was sadly predeceased by another daughter, Terry), his 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grand-children but also by his friends, the citizens he served, the people he protected and the city he loved. And THAT is the mark of a great man! For he was—and still is— the very definition of a hero—a man who, through a life-time of self-sacrifice, worked to help and protect others! -And that is something we should all strive to be. Today the landscape around Banning is darkened by sadness but in the horizon, there is a new star that shines bright in the sky and is responsible for making our world…a little brighter.
For those who would like to make a donation in Fred’s name, please consider The Eagle and Badge Foundation, which helps the families and children of fallen police officers. eagleandbadgefoundation. com
Service times for Mr Warner will be: Tuesday February 27th, 2018 11:30 AM Service at Weaver Mortuary 1177 Beaumont Ave., Beaumont CA 92223, Tuesday February 27th, 2018 1:30 PM Graveside Service and Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside CA 92518, Tuesday February 27th, 2018 2:00pm Reception at California Citrus Park Clubhouse, 9400 Dufferin Ave. Riverside, CA 92503