William “Billy” Wayne Warner, age 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2026, in

Naples, FL.

Mr Warner was born on October 19, 1933, at Zigler, now Smith Creek, WV, the second child of the

late Virgil Edward and Beulah Elizabeth (Hartman) Warner.

William grew up on the family farm in Smith Creek. When he was 5 years old, his mother passed

away. In the years that followed he and his two sisters were joined by three additional siblings

from his father’s second marriage to Evelyn Mae Vandevander.

He attended Franklin High School and graduated in 1951. He left Pendleton County for

Bridgewater College, graduated in 1955 with a B.A. in English and later received a Master’s

Degree from West Virginia University.

During his service in the Marine Corps he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

When he joined the University of Maryland Overseas Program in Europe he came to Wiesbaden,

Germany to teach. There he met his wife Lieselotte “Lisa” Theis, who was a registrar for the

University.

The center of his life was now in Germany, and there he later returned to the military as a civilian.

He was a United States Forces Liaison Officer in Germany for over 25 years. His lifelong interest in

history, especially the Civil War, and politics, as well as his talent for writing proved helpful for the

occupation. His profound German language skills were a valuable asset.

After his retirement in 2002, William and Lisa moved to Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed many

happy years as retirees in Southwest Florida, their children and grandchildren taking many trips to

see them there.

Lisa passed away in March 2021, shortly after their 54th wedding anniversary.

They leave behind a daughter, Audrey Allison Elizabeth Koehler with her husband Walter,

and a son, William Alexander Warner. He was the beloved “Opa” to three granddaughters Kiana,

Maela and Emily. They all reside in Germany.

Mr Warner was preceded in death by his sisters Doris Alice Bennett and Shelda Jean Warner,

as well as his brothers Wilson Joseph Warner and Harry Allen Warner.

He is survived by his sister Rachel Ruddle.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.