Brent Craig Warnecke

Brent Craig Warnecke, a loving husband, son, brother, and great friend to so many, died unexpectedly on May 22, 2023, at the age of 52.

Brent was born in Muncie, Indiana on June 28, 1970, to Doug and Linda Warnecke. The oldest of 3 younger siblings, he took the job of "big brother" very seriously. He developed his deep dedication to family and leadership via winning countless backyard sports competitions, levying candy taxes at Easter, handing out the presents on Christmas morning, and pushing his brother and two sisters to excel in all of their endeavors. 

He graduated in 1988 from Triton Central High School, where he was an accomplished 3 sport athlete for the Tigers and made many lifelong friends.  He was particularly proud of his school record for 10 interceptions in the 1987 football season, which still stands, and his 4x100 relay team, which took them all the way to the Indiana State Finals.

Brent graduated from Ball State University in 1992 and immediately began his career in sales. His ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships enabled him to build a tremendously successful career that carried him to a handful of companies that were lucky to have him. He enjoyed the challenge of his work and loved to recount the deals he had in the works and clients he loved taking out for dinner and drinks. He could be found most weekdays coming or going through the Delta Sky Lounge in various airports on his way to meetings. As he passed the Million Miles flown mark with Delta, he was happy to report he was well on his way to 2 Million Miles. His absence in his field of work will be felt for years to come.

He married the love of his life, Heather Warnecke (Barton), in 2018. They made a home together in Indianapolis with their 2 bulldogs, Bourbon and Pinot. They blazed a trail traveling the world together on frequent trips to Europe or the beach, following the Tour de France on their own bikes or seeing his favorite artist, Zaz, play in the south of France.  They never passed on an opportunity to travel to a new city or experience great wine. Heather made the last several years of Brent's life undoubtedly the happiest of his life.

Brent was known for his sharp intellect, boundless energy, and passion for exploring new adventures.  He was a friend and confidant to many, with an uncanny ability to stay in touch with his friends no matter the physical distance or years passed. He was proud of the charity he helped found, Change by One. He raised money through hosting events to help Change by One provide medical care, shelter, and nutrition for at-risk and orphaned children in Bali.

He is survived by his wife, Heather Warnecke (Barton), parents Douglas and Linda Warnecke, father-in-law John Barton (Vanessa), mother-in-law Anne Barton, brother Aaron Warnecke (Kellie), sisters Julie Woempner (Jason) and Karen Troutt (Jason), nieces and nephews, Lillybeth and Harry Warnecke, Luke and Gabrielle Woempner, Ella, Brody, and Nolan Troutt.

Brent's sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts. The joy he brought into our lives will continue to inspire and guide us. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be 4-8pm Tuesday, May 30th and 10-11am Wednesday, May 31st followed by funeral service at 11am at Freeman Family Funeral Home at 819 S. Harrison St. Shelbyville, IN 46176.

A Celebration of Life will be held 6-10pm Thursday, June 1st  at Silo Auto Club and Conservancy at 644 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204.

For those that wish to contribute, memorial donations can be made to the Change By One Foundation www.changebyone.org