Gene L. Warman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gene L. Warman on November 25, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on November 1, 1943, in Newark, Ohio, Gene was an only child to his parents, Lawrence & Bernice Warman. He was a 1961 graduate of Newark High School and went on to study at The Ohio State University, graduating in 1971.

Gene served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. Having recently discovered his interest in radio, Gene served as the “Adrian Cronauer” of Thailand, delivering the news to service members and keeping the tunes playing and spirits lifted. Upon returning, Gene continued his career in radio as an on-air personality, music and program director at WKRC in Cincinnati, and on-air personality at 610 WTVN in Columbus, Ohio, where he was the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Trumpet Player.” In 1978, Gene took a leap of faith and started his own multimedia production company, originally Gene Warman Production Services and later Warman Productions, when his daughter, Mandy, and son, Bryan, joined the company. The company’s 45 years of success were a direct product of his professionalism and work ethic. He produced thousands of videos, won multiple awards, and was a leader in the industry. He was instrumental in the creation and production of the third college video scoreboard in the nation at the University of Pittsburgh. His commitment to every client was pivotal to why many of his business relationships evolved into lifelong friendships.

Gene was best known for his voice. It was powerful, professional, and smooth. You could always hear when Gene was in the room. His voice was heard frequently on the radio, television, and at events around town.

At the core, Gene was a loving and forever servant to his community. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 45 years and served on numerous committees. He led the creation of one of the first online ministries in Columbus, and will forever be known to many as both Santa and the “Voice of God” in the Christmas Eve programs. Gene also served on the board for the Ohio Foundation for Music Education, believing music is central to humanity. He spent years devoting his talents to his community in many positions of civic engagement. Perhaps his greatest impact came after his son, Bryan, received the Gift of Life through a liver transplant in 1992. He was so grateful that he dedicated his life to this initiative and quickly became a member of Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement (LOOP) Board, where he served for almost 30 years. His leadership helped to achieve LOOP’s recent designation as a Tier 1 organ procurement organization.

Passion flowed through Gene in everything he did. He had a zest for life and always lived every day to its fullest. His love for music led him to become a flugelhorn player in the OSU Marching Band. He continued to have an impact on the university when he co-wrote the “Go Bucks Cheer” with composer John Tagenhorst in 1983.

He was an avid traveler and loved experiencing the world with his family. He traveled to nearly every state in America, multiple islands, and many countries. But the place that had his heart was undoubtedly Kauai, Hawaii, where he and Sandy traveled many times.

Gene loved vintage cars. This past summer, his lifelong dream came true when he purchased a fully restored 1969 Jaguar XKE Convertible. If you ran into him over the past few months, you’ve undoubtedly heard about it. The only dog for him was a miniature dachshund, and he had 5 in his lifetime who were blessed to be loved by Gene.

Unrivaled was Gene’s love for his family. A family man in every way, he was a loving husband, hands-on father, and doting grandpa and “Gene”. An accomplished, yet humble man, his greatest achievements were ours. He is survived by his wife of 54 years and forever love, Sandy Warman; his daughters, Heather (Duane) Perry, Mandy (Jason) Markoff, and his son, Bryan (Megan) Warman; his beloved six grandchildren: Isaac, Hope, Faith, Clara, Tyson, and Keaton; and his four-legged best friend, Snickers.

A Celebration of Life for Gene Warman will be held on December 13, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43212. In lieu of flowers and to honor the very foundation of who Gene was, we ask that you bring a toy (or two) to the service, which will be donated to children in need this holiday season. If you’re unable to attend, please find a local charity collecting toys or warm coats for people in need.

In our moments of grief, we remember Gene L. Warman, a man of exceptional character and a deep faith, whose life served as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love. He will be deeply missed, yet his spirit will continue to influence those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.