Wayne Lewis Warner, 57, of Cozad, Nebraska, died Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska, after a long illness.

Wayne was born July 9th, 1954, in Long Beach, California. He moved to Nebraska in 1957. Wayne graduated from Cozad High School in 1972.

After high school Wayne worked at H & H Auto Parts until he opened his own business, "Wayne's Front End Shop", in 1985. Wayne lived in Cozad but worked for Hawkins Construction. He traveled to Kansas often for work. He also worked for Nebraska Plastics, Cozad Services and Boerkircher's Furniture Store. Wayne spent the last of his working days with Zook's Welding, a job that he held until his health would no longer allow him to work.

On July 8th, 2000, Wayne married Sherry Bridges in Cozad, where the couple made their home together. Wayne was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cozad.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Wayne had a special interest for hunting waterfowl and was active in Ducks Unlimited. Wayne enjoyed outdoor grilling, cooking, canning his "famous salsa" and gardening. He loved children and enjoyed teaching them how to ski, hunt and fish. He was a loving and patient father to his children. He always had a listening ear and was a sincere friend to all. He tried to find the good in everyone and had a smile that would brighten the darkest day. He faced the world with optimism and happiness. Throughout his last months he fought hard and he never gave up.

He will be deeply missed and remembered by his family, friends, and everyone that loved him.

Wayne was preceded in death by mom, Lois Warnke; grandson, Bryan Kendrick; Dewain Warner; his grandparents and his mother-in-law, Donna Bridges.

Survivors include his wife, Sherry Warner of Cozad; his children, Ashton Warner of Cozad, Chianne (Mark) Coffman of Windsor, Colorado and Amanda (Brandon) Barnes of Cozad; two grandsons, Cale Coffman and Tanner Barnes and a grandchild on the way; his dad, Bob Warnke of Cozad; two sisters, Sharon (Curt) Cutler of Columbus, Nebraska, Trudy Guettler of Cozad; half-sister, Deanne (Cid) Ledford of Whittier, California; three nephews, Scott (Debbie) Cutler and family of Yankton, South Dakota, Todd (Shelly) Cutler and family of Omaha, Nebraska, Travis (Andrea) Guettler and family of Hagerstown, Maryland; a niece, Stephanie (Bob) Ferguson and family of Omaha, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends.

Services were held on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Cozad with Pastor Neil Kloppenborg officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery in Cozad.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.

Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad was in charge of arrangements.