Harley E. Warner, age 83, of Helena

Harley Eugene Warner, aged 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with his loving wife Judy at his side in the early morning of August 1st, 2025.  Harley used his incredible strength and tenacity to battle brain cancer for over a year.  He was our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, mentor, and friend.

Harley was born in Fairview, Oklahoma on September 10th, 1941, to Glenn and Frances Ruth Warner.  He moved with his family as a young boy to Helena, Montana, where he had a home for the rest of his life.  He was very active in the community and made many lifelong friends here.

Donna Fae Lordemann and Harley were introduced by a friend in 1959 and were married on February 17th, 1962, at the Cathedral of Saint Helena.  Harley and Donna had a wonderful life together, raising their three children, Michael, Janine and Shawn.  Their family life was full of fun and laughter and included activities like boating, water skiing, camping, snow skiing, card games and always with either family, or friends who were like family.  After their retirement they spent winters in Yuma, Arizona where they expanded their pool of many friends.  Harley and Donna were together for 54 years when she passed away in 2015.

Harley continued to spend time in Yuma, which is where Judy Chapman Moggy came into his life.  They had lived just one street from each other in Yuma but hadn’t met until Judy’s brother introduced them.  Harley and Judy were married on April 29th, 2017, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena.  They spent their years together living in Yuma, Helena, and Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron in Ontario.  They loved their desert, lake and mountain homes.  Although their years together were cut short, they loved every minute of the time they spent with each other.  Judy’s caring and gentle nature was a blessing to Harley and the family will forever be grateful to her.

After graduating from Helena High School in 1959, Harley began his service in the US Navy.  He reached the rank of Yeoman Chief Petty Officer and served on the USS Lexington from 1959-1961.  He stood out as an outstanding representative of the US Navy.  Harley completed his active duty in December 1961 and then continued his service with the US Navy Reserve until he retired in 1981.

Harley spent his entire civilian career working as a Supervising Auditor and Program Manager for the State of Montana Department of Revenue.  He was regarded as loyal, dedicated and well respected, with a sunny and friendly disposition when he retired in 1990.

Harley had many hobbies, interests and activities that he loved:  boating, camping, water skiing, snow skiing, golf, building and flying RC planes, breakfast clubs, travel, family visits, desert, island and mountain life, tinkering, building, and fixing almost anything.  Harley was a member of many organizations over the years. He was a member of the congregation at St. Mary’s and Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Churches.  He was also involved with the Knights of Columbus, the Moose Lodge, the Eagles, the VFW and was a Boy Scout Master. He participated in the Helena community and was elected to the Helena City Council.

Harley made friends wherever he went and will be missed by so many.  His family like to say that if you weren’t his friend, it was only because you hadn’t met yet.  He was a storyteller and many of his stories started with “I have a friend who…..”.  Harley was smart, loyal, dedicated, respected, organized, and most of all loved.  He will forever be in our hearts.

Harley is survived by his wife Judy Chapman Warner; his children, Michael (Kristen) Warner, Janine (Kevin) Kotan, and Shawn (Lisa) Warner; stepchildren, Karen (Jason) Cook, and Craig Moggy; grandchildren, Tyler (Kaitie) Warner, Tabatha (Taylor) Pemberton, Daniel Warner, Bradley Warner, Andrew (Brittani) Baucum-Kotan, Alex (Jessica) Kotan, Jacob (Rachel) Graham, Eric (Kelsey) Graham, Jordin Cook, Jessie Cook, Jake Moggy, and Jethryn Moggy, along with several great-children and many cousins, nieces and nephews

Harley was preceded in death by his wife Donna Lordemann Warner; father, Glenn Warner; mother, Frances Warner Landwehr; step-father, Sy Landwehr; sister, Lora Warner; brother, Jimmie Lee Warner and sister, Glenda Craft

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Thursday August 14, 2025

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

1502 Shirley Road

Helena, Montana

View map

Burial with Military Honors

Immediately following the funeral Mass

Thursday August 14, 2025

Resurrection Cemetery

Helena, Montana

View map

Reception

Immediately following the Burial

Thursday August 14, 2025

Moose Lodge

4750 N. Montana Avenue

Helena, Montana

View map

Share

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.