Life Journey of 
Kenneth Warmack

Kenneth Lowe Warmack was born on November 24, 1934, on the West Side of Chicago. He attended Gladstone Elementary School and later Crane Technical High School, where he stood out both academically and socially. During his high school years, he was active in Hi-C—short for High Schoolers for Christ—an intramural organization through which he played basketball and baseball against other groups across the city and suburbs. He also participated in ROTC and graduated with full honors in Math and Science. Kenneth had early aspirations of becoming an architect and began college to pursue that dream. However, his studies were interrupted when he developed tuberculosis, requiring a 19 month stay in a sanitarium for treatment. In 1955, Kenneth married Jacqueline Elliott. Together, they built a family and were blessed with six beautiful children. Jacqueline went home to be with the Lord in 2011.

 

Kenneth married his childhood friend and second wife, Elizabeth Walker, on August 18, 2012. They enjoyed a beautiful marriage until the time of his transition. In this union, they made their home in Plainfield, where Kenneth, now a resident of the Carillon community loved to enjoy leisure activities. He joined a bowling league, participated in a men’s Bible group, and found joy in the fellowship of Community Christian Church. He even made his acting debut as ‘Doubting Thomas’ in the church-
sponsored Easter play!

 

Kenneth was the embodiment of hard work and quiet faith. For most of his life, he worked six days a week and never missed a Sunday at church. At Trinity Episcopal, a small and welcoming congregation, he served faithfully as both an usher and trustee until the church closed during the COVID pandemic. But his commitment to service extended far beyond the sanctuary walls. Every Sunday, Kenneth brought and delivered hot meals for the entire congregation, nourishing both body and spirit. He was the kind of person who always showed up—offering help, lending a hand, and giving from the heart. With his wife Elizabeth and his late daughter Karen, he led a Christmas drive through the Church of the Holy Cross to support under-resourced families in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood—where Karen taught for CPS. Each year, they gathered and distributed winter coats, toys, gift cards, and food baskets to children and their families.

 

Kenneth spent over 50 years managing the tenants' garage at 3150 N. Lake Shore Drive and finally retired at the age of 84. Though modest in size, he was known for his incredible strength—once carrying a refrigerator up three flights of stairs without hesitation. Driving was another one of his joys. He knew every shortcut in the city, but he never sped past someone in need. In the winter, he kept his car stocked with socks, gloves, and hats to give to unhoused individuals he passed on the street. If someone was hungry, he’d buy them a hot meal—no questions asked.

 

Kenneth lived by the simple but powerful words: “If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living would not be in vain.” He helped more people than we can count—and left this world better than he found it. Kenneth lived a life marked by integrity, compassion, and joy. He honored every commitment he made—no matter the cost remaining true to his word in all things. His sharp sense of humor was ever-present and effortlessly shared with everyone he met, bringing laughter and light into countless lives. With kindness, generosity, and quiet wisdom, he left a lasting impression on all who knew him. As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Kenneth was nothing short of extraordinary. Though he may no longer be with us in the physical sense, the impact he made will live on in the hearts of those he touched forever remembered, forever cherished.

 

He was preceded in death by his mother Anna Rebbeca Martin and father Alfred Warmack, sisters
Margaret, Nelly, Doris Jean, Alfreda and brother Robert. He was also preceded in death by first wife
Jacqueline, his daughters Karen Mickel and Theresa.
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, sister Silvia, 8 children Kevin (Victoria), Cheryl (Philip), Dale,
Kimberley, Kenny (Stacy), Marsha, Joseph, Eva (Harvey); and grandchildren, Maurice (Dora), Delma
(Curtis), Kevin (Kimberly), Nadia (Shawn), Monica, Leslie II, Marcus, Daniel, Kira, Porsha, Fannetta
(Michael), Arelesus, Diamond, Xavier, Kaleel and Richmond. From his blended family he also shared
the love of an additional 12 grandchildren.

 

Kenneth leaves behind a host of great friends - bonds that were truly unbreakable and very much treasured.