NorthWinds Members In Memoriam…

Paul Warnex (Trombone / Guest Conductor)

Paul David Warnex, a cherished family man, revered educator, and an inspiration to many, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024, at his home in Diamondhead Lake, Iowa. Born on October 4, 1954, in Lexington, Missouri to John David and Barbara (Wood) Warnex, Paul's life was a testament to his kind, selfless, and loving nature. Paul attended Fort Osage High School where he developed a passion for music that would shape his entire career. An esteemed graduate of Central Missouri State University, he earned his Bachelor of Music Education in 1977 and his Master of Arts in Trombone Performance in 1980. His dedication to music education was evident through his 35 years as an instrumental director, during which he nurtured the talents of countless young musicians. His career began as Director of Bands at Holden High School in Holden, Missouri, from 1977 to 1979. Paul then shared his expertise with the LeMars Community Schools in LeMars, Iowa, from 1980 to 1989, before moving to Liberty Public Schools in Liberty, Missouri, where he continued to inspire students until his retirement in 2013. His dedication to excellence was recognized with numerous accolades, including the ASBDA Outstanding Young Band Director in Iowa Award in 1984, the Phi Beta Mu "Charlie Emmons Award" for outstanding band director in 2002, the prestigious John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor (Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, 2002), and in 2013, he was honored as the Outstanding Music Educator for the State of Missouri (National Federation of High School Activities), a fitting tribute to his impactful career. Paul's influence extended beyond the classroom. He held various local, state, and regional offices in Missouri and Iowa, contributing his expertise to the music education community. As an adjudicator and guest conductor, he led bands throughout the Midwest, leaving a legacy of musical excellence. He performed on trombone with community bands in LeMars, Liberty, and Cameron. His passion for music also took him on adventures across the globe as he led student groups to perform in prestigious venues in New York, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Canada, Colorado, and Europe. He was blessed to lead his church youth group to the Holy Land in 1984. Paul's personal life was as rich and harmonious as his professional one. He met the love of his life, Deborah Lynn Kallenbach, at Central Missouri State University. They both studied music education and married on August 6, 1977, in Cameron, Missouri. Their lives were blessed in 1991 with the birth of their only son, David, in Liberty, MO, with whom he shared his passion for music, education, and serving others. After retiring, Paul and Deb settled into the serene community of Diamondhead Lake. There, Paul embraced the joys of boating, barbequing, playing golf, and engaging with his men's breakfast group. Paul's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Deb; his son, David (Holly) Warnex, of Independence, Missouri; his mother Barbara Warnex, of Independence, Missouri; his grandson, Noah Alexander Warnex; his sister, Rebecca (Cy) Ritter of Kansas City, Missouri; his sister-in-law Shelley (Bob) Ocker of Cameron, Missouri; and his brother-in-law, Jeff (Deanne) Kallenbach, of Parkville, Missouri. Paul also leaves behind ten nieces and nephews, each of whom will miss his guidance and fun spirit. Preceding Paul in passing is his father, John David Warnex. Paul David Warnex lived a life of harmony, creating a symphony of love, education, and community that will resonate for generations to come. His unwavering commitment to his family, students, and the music he so dearly loved will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As we say farewell to this remarkable man, we celebrate the enduring melody of his life's work and the countless lives he touched with his unending sense of humor, music, and heart.

Timothy Earl Osburn (Percussion)

Tim Osburn passed away on March 19, 2021. He was born and raised in the Northland and resided in Parkville at the time of death. Tim was a communications technician at AT&T before retiring in January, 2009, and retirement was a substitute teacher in the Park Hill school district. An avid bicyclist, he put in thousands of miles, making many cross-state rides and tours. As a classically trained percussionist, Tim received a bachelors degree in music education from the Conservatory of Music at UMKC in 1975. In addition to playing in the NorthWinds Symphonic Band, he played with the Liberty Symphony and Parkville Symphonic Band for a number of years, and with the Blues Notions and Lonesome Hank and the Heartaches. Tim’s untimely passing was a shock to all NorthWinds members; his talents and most importantly his friendship is missed by all.

Danny James Watring (Co-Conductor / Percussion)

Beloved NorthWinds co-conductor Danny Watring passed away on May 24th, 2020. Danny was born and raised in Sedalia, MO, where he attended Smith-Cotton High School. He earned a BA in Music Education at the University of Central Missouri, followed by a Master’s in Educational Technology from MidAmerica Nazarene University. Second to his family, Danny’s greatest passion in life was music. For 30 years Danny worked as band director and music instructor at Liberty, Oak Park, and Grandview High Schools, in addition to working with students at Grandview Middle School. His marching bands, concert bands, and jazz bands regularly received superior ratings at District/State Music Evaluative Music Festivals, MOAJE sanctioned Jazz Festivals, and area marching band competitions. Danny also taught as an instructor of Jazz at Penn Valley Community College and Adjunct Professor of Percussion at Northwestern Missouri State University. He dedicated many years of his life to service to music education, serving as All-State adjudicator for eleven years as well as multiple area High School activities committees. Danny received the 2020 MOAJE Outstanding Jazz Educators Award, and was inducted into the Smith-Cotton Hall of Fame. When Danny was not teaching or playing music (a rarity) he could still be found serving the people of the Kansas City area in his capacity as a golf coach. He was a skilled golfer, winning something at nearly every tournament in which he competed. Danny will be deeply missed by all of us whose lives he touched.

Danny was a beloved father, partner, brother, teacher, friend, and inspiration to hundreds of students. He is survived by his two daughters, Devan Watring and Madison Fritts (née Watring), and his sister Marsha Hawkins. Danny also leaves behind his love Sarah Ehlers, Sarah’s daughter Carly Ehlers, and innumerable friends.

Aaron Ahles-Iverson (Bassoon)

Aaron Peter Ahles-Iverson, passed away on Friday July 13, 2018.  A instrumental music education graduate from Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, Aaron was very active in many of the music programs there.  This includes Symphonic Winds, the Jazz Band, Orchestra and Chamber ensemble, and was an active member of the Nu Gamma chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national music fraternity.  Upon graduating, he served as director of bands at Chilicothe, Missouri for two years, and was a long time member of the St. Joseph Symphony as a bassoonist.  And for a good number of years, was a member of NorthWinds and the Cameron Municipal Band, with a talent of being able to pick up almost any wind instrument and play at a performance level.  After our 2016 - 2017 performance season, Aaron stepped away from the ensemble to focus more time on other activities, and his death came as a shock to many in the music community.  We offer our condolences to the Ahles-Iverson family for the tragic loss of Aaron, as well as the tragic loss of his younger brother, Benjamin, just months prior.

Barbara R. Hale (Flute)

Barbara Hale, longtime music educator in the North Kansas City District School System, passed away in May, 2013.  She leaves a legacy of success as a conductor of the Oak Park High School Orchestra, as well as many successful music students who have become music educators themselves.  She served frequently as a district and state music festival adjudicator over the years and enjoyed a reputation as a gifted private flute instructor.  A graduate of Central Missouri State (now the University of Central Missouri) earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  She began her career as the music instructor in Stewartsville, MO.,  before coming to the North Kansas City school district as the band and orchestra instructor at Maple Park Junior HS/Middle School from 1964 to 1981.  In 1981, she was appointed the director of Orchestras at Oak Park High School.  Her reputation for excellence was recognized by an invitation to appear at the Missouri Music Educator’s Convention.   Her students consistently earned  I ratings at the District and State Music festivals for solo/ensemble performance as well for the Oak Park Symphonic Orchestra over the years.  She caped her career as the District Instrumental Music Coordinator, retiring in 1993.

Tera Williams (Flute)

November 22, 1959 - August 11, 2012

The Park Hill School District was blessed to acquire Tera’s talent in 1984 first teaching at Southeast Elementary and then retiring from English Landing in 2010. She was nominated for teacher of the year award by the Park Hill School District. 

Tera’s dedication to teaching music is credited with sparking the professional music career of several acclaimed musicians. Many former students travel the world sharing their gifts that Tera first saw in them when they were elementary student.

Don Groenenboom (Euphonium)

June, 1953 - September, 2006

In Don's memory, memorial donations may be made to the Don Groenenboom Musical Scholarship Fund at North-Platte High School or to the Kansas City Hospice House.

Don Groenenboom, passed away September 1st, 2006.  Don was the former band director at North Platte High School in Dearborn, Missouri for six years. He retired in 2004. Don was a wonderful player, a respected teacher, and a great friend to us. All of us in Northwinds will miss him greatly.