Dudley Thomas Warner

Dudley Thomas Warner, 78 of Rocklin California passed away on December 1, 2022.   He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Greenway Fiala and father, Dixon Warner.  Dudley was born and raised on Long Island, N.Y.  He attended college in Tennessee where his mother was raised.   He moved to California to pursue his 29-year career with Liberty Mutual. He quickly rose to Division Sales Manager for the entire Pacific Region. 

Dudley was an explorer and a Renaissance man. He allowed his curiosity to guide him and inspired others to do the same.    He actively sought out new experiences and conversations to feed his curiosity, even in routine, everyday activities.  A simple trip to the grocery store, for most, was like a field trip to the Smithsonian for Dudley. No place and no time period were off limits. He chose hobbies that allowed him to explore the past & connect to his heritage: antiques, fountain pens, collecting meat grinders, quilting and basket weaving.   His love for cooking allowed him to explore foreign cultures that may be out of his physical reach.  It was not surprising to his family when he drove across country on his Harley with his quilting project in his saddlebag looking for fountain pens and checking out dives and diners along the way. 

Dudley had such a quick wit and knew something about almost everything.  He was known for not holding back his opinion and was a force to be reckoned with.  Yet, he was extremely sentimental and choked up when bragging about his wife’s golf game, the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, or even a television commercial. 

Dudley is survived by his wife & best friend Cheryl Warner, daughter Dara Elizabeth Warner and son Devin Christopher Warner, his grandchildren, Emma Katherine Warner and Delaney Rose Warner, his sister Beverly Warner Snukals and her son Dixon (Alex), Deedie Warner and Brigitte Addeo.   

His family and friends will miss his larger-than-life personality. The world will be a lot quieter without him.

For those who are able, the family suggests making blood donations in Dudley's honor.