Esther Maxine Johnston Warner

Esther Maxine Johnston Warner passed away September 29 at Larksfield Place in Wichita, Kansas, adult children at her side, days after her 90th birthday. She is predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Thomas “Tom” Mills Warner who passed one year ago.

Daughter of the late Edward George and E.E. Nadine Woodward Johnston, Esther was born in Winfield, Kansas, September 15, 1936. Second of four daughters, Esther was raised in a loving, busy home; her father the local dairyman and her mother a consummate homemaker, cook and embroiderer. They moved many times throughout Kansas and Missouri finally stopping in Topeka, Kansas. Esther and Phyllis, her beloved elder sister, attended Highland Park High School for only a year, graduating together in 1953.

Esther enjoyed adventure, sports and outdoor tasks. In third grade, she rode in the milk truck with her dad, who had a broken arm, shifting gears while he pressed the clutch pedal. She was a pianist and played the flute in high school marching bands with Phyllis as the drum majorette. Accepted to Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, she stayed in Topeka at home with Phyllis. Together they matriculated to Washburn University, joining Alpha Phi Sorority making lifelong friendships. At a school mixer she met the love of her life, Tom Warner. Tom was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the university dance troupe – unforgettable in his black leather jacket.

During Air Force jet flight training in Valdosta, Georgia, Tom called Esther from a phone booth to propose marriage; motivated by her mention that she was moving to Kansas State University to study Home Economics. She joyfully accepted and the next day he mailed the engagement ring in a cardboard box, which she opened with her mother at her side. Esther was 19 years old.

Several years after Tom’s military tour of duty, Esther joined Tom in 1972 to work alongside their family at Warner Company in Valley Center, building homes throughout the Wichita area. Esther was a trail blazer in real estate marketing – employing her skills as a professional decorator, she was first in Wichita to stage homes for sale built by her family. Esther served as President of the Wichita Area Builders Women’s Auxiliary in 1982. The WABWA cookbook created during her tenure is a time capsule of mid-western taste. With a marvelous eye for color, design, furnishings and timeless fashion, Esther worked for many years as a sales associate for Kids Boutique, The Very Idea, Bell Carpet and her own interior design group.

A founder of the pre-school program in Valley Center, Esther pursued a life-long interest in education. She served as a dedicated classroom volunteer at Earhart Environmental Magnet School for 2 years then 7 years at Hyde Elementary School, assisting her youngest daughter Carol in the 4th Grade classroom, reluctantly retiring in 2020 when schools closed.

Above all, Esther’s great delight was family time. She was a whirlwind presence shaping the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren; sewing custom outfits, knitting, shopping for the perfect gift -- ensuring all dressed appropriately for the occasion -- often all six grandchildren presented in coordinated attire. She was an energetic Brownie and Girl Scout Leader; a loyal attendee at soccer, baseball, and football games, track and cross-country meets, the Marine Corps Marathon; concerts, recitals and graduations. Esther was always ready for fun and conversation. To her family, she was more than present; she was unforgettable. She loved Tom endlessly and together they established a legacy of love, laughter, and faithfulness to be cherished forever.

Esther is survived by her two younger sisters, Carolyn Curnutt of Topeka and Judy C. Farrell (Stephen) of Lenexa; her three children, Denise R. Warner (Kenneth Terzian) of Washington, DC, Thomas Mills Warner, Jr. (Brenda), and Carol Warner Haltom of Wichita; six grandchildren, Emily Haltom (Chris Hannemann), Ashley Norfleet (Kevin), Trey Warner, Polly Terzian (Ron Stine), Jackson Haltom (Gabriella Maida) and Dylan Warner; and one great-grandchild, Elwood Norfleet.

Esther’s celebration of life is Saturday, November 7, at 1:00 pm at Botanica Wichita Gardens.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to KPTS (channel 8) Public Television Station (KPTS.org) or by mail: KPTS, PO Box 783100, Wichita, KS 67278 or to Good Shepherd Hospice, Wichita (GoodShepherdHospice.com).