Bradley W. Warkentine

For a Race Well Run - Reverend Bradley W. Warkentine

On April 26th, Rev. Bradley Warkentine, 74, finally finished the race that he so valiantly ran, gaining the crown of righteousness he so richly deserved. He was a beloved pastor, dedicated chaplain for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and cherished family member.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8

While Brad fought the good fight against heart, kidney, and liver diseases these last few years, the race was won over his lifetime. Born on May 10, 1950, in Emporia, KS, Brad dedicated his life to serving others by first giving his heart to Jesus and then answering the call to ministry as a young man. His call led him to Southern Nazarene University where he graduated with a degree in Theology and Divinity. He finished his education with a Master of Divinity from the Nazarene Theological Seminary.

The most public portion of Brad’s race was completed during his 38 years of pastoring. He served at Sidney Church of the Nazarene and Tipp City Church of the Nazarene. Men, women, and children know Jesus because he was faithful. No one knows the miles he traveled, making hospital calls and home visits. No one tracked the hours he spent teaching the willing, counselling those struggling, and encouraging the broken. During those 38 years of pastoring, Brad’s race was run not only in his local community but abroad. He led Work and Witness Teams to Alaska, Brazil, Honduras, Peru, and Thailand where churches and schools were built for the purpose of spreading the good news about Jesus. He was also a member of Rotary International for many years, serving as President for a year. While on Work and Witness Trips, he often attended their local Rotary meetings and brought flags back to the Ohio chapter.

Brad’s race did not end in retirement. Reverend Warkentine served as a chaplain for the Coast Guard Auxiliary for over 7 years. His commitment to the men and women of the Auxiliary was unwavering, providing spiritual guidance and support during their service to the community and country. His leadership and caring nature earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

Like all who run this kind of race, its course can be traced through the home. Brad was a spiritual leader in the home as a devoted family man. He went by the titles of husband, father, and papaw. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Dianne, of 53 years; their three children, Brett (Serenity) Warkentine, Chad (Christy) Warkentine, and Jamie (Ryan) Cornelius; and 7 grandchildren Noah Warkentine, Elijah Warkentine, Annika Warkentine, Ira Warkentine, Jonah Warkentine, Simon Cornelius and Vera Cornelius who brought him immense joy, and his siblings Brenda (Stephen) Heap, Bruce (Pam) Warkentine, and Fred (Marci) Warkentine. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Velma Warkentine and siblings Bonita Warkentine, Jon Warkentine, and Derek Warkentine. Brad’s family was the most important leg of his race, and he cherished every moment spent with them. If not for them, he may have completed his race long ago.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 2, 2025, at 7 PM at New Life Church of the Nazarene, Oak Ridge, TN. Brad’s gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those left behind.

Receive your crown, Reverend Bradley W. Warkentine.

Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Reverend Bradley W. Warkentine.