Aug 19, 2013

Army veteran was enthusiastic entrepreneur

Joseph Wesley “Wes” Warne, 44, of Washington, died unexpectedly Saturday, August 17, 2013, in his home in Pittsburgh.

He was born November 9, 1968, in Washington, a son of David Kemp Warne of Washington and the late Martha Jane Hall Warne.

A decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, he began his volunteer service March 8, 1988. He was a trained parachutist and rigger. He served in the United States as well as Korea with most of his service as a member of the 1-507th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Airborne). His decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (three awards) and National Defense Service Medal. He also earned the South Korean Parachutist Badge. He received his honorable discharge from the military June 14, 1991.

Mr. Warne was a 1987 graduate of McGuffey High School. He attended Washington & Jefferson College, where he studied business administration through a special entrepreneurship program.

Above all, he was a strong entrepreneur with true visionary talents. He always enjoyed the creative outlet his work as a highly skilled CNC router operator afforded him. His vocation in the signage industry resulted in the creation of signs and displays for such companies as Heinz, Borden, Giant Eagle and Kennywood Park. His last entrepreneurial venture was the formation of the company Creative Carved LLC. This company was to be a springboard for a new art form he created called “Rilievos.”

He was a loving son and brother, a generous friend and favorite uncle, whose infectious smile and hearty laugh will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Surviving, in addition to his father, are two brothers, David K. Warne Jr. (Kim) of Boca Raton, Fla., and Paul D. Warne (Rachel Scott) of Montreal, Canada; a sister, Mary-Rachael Weaver (Mark) of Evansville, Ind.; five nieces, Rachael, Elise, and Karla Weaver and Audrey and Eva Warne; a nephew, Elliot Warne; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the time of service, Friday, August 23, in McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Interment will follow in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington County Community Foundation, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301, or www.wccf.net.