In honor of Kirk, everyone is asked to wear the School Colors of Woodward Boomers , OU Sooners, or Clinton Red Tornadoes to his service.

Kirk "Papa" Warnick, beloved husband, father, son, Papa, brother, educator, and mentor to many, began his life journey on April 25, 1962, in Clinton, OK. He completed his journey in Woodward, OK, on January 18, 2025, at the age of 62. Kirk was the son of William Henry Warnick and Opal Oleta (Jones) Warnick. He spent his formative years in Clinton, OK, alongside his older brother, Gary. He attended Clinton Public Schools, where he played as a nose guard on the football team. A member of the 1978 state championship team, he obtained a championship ring he proudly wore throughout his life. He loved the Red Tornadoes and he graduated from Clinton High School in 1980.  He continued his football career for two years at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK. During his college years at the BSU, he was a member of the comedy group FLUSH (Fellowship Lets Us Serve Him), entertaining high school students at 5th quarter meetings.

On May 14, 1983, in Lamont, OK, Kirk married Regina Leann Rash, the love of his life and soulmate. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with three daughters: Chelsea, Rachel, and Katie. Kirk and Regina began their life together in Clinton, OK, where Kirk worked with his father at Sugar Creek Transports while attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. He earned his Bachelor of Business degree in 1985 and his Bachelor of Education degree in 1987. Later, he achieved a master's degree in education from Oklahoma State University in 1993.

Kirk's teaching career began in Crescent, OK, where he coached wrestling and football for two years. He then served as a coach and assistant principal in Yale, OK, before joining Woodward Public Schools in 1993 as an assistant principal. Advancing to the position of principal, he served in this capacity for 21 years. A dedicated member of the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals, he served as its president and was recognized as the runner-up for Oklahoma Principal of the Year in 2011. In 2015, Kirk embraced a new challenge as the Northwest Oklahoma Regional Accreditation Officer for the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Notably, he was the only regional accreditation officer to hold the title without being a superintendent. In this role, he traveled across northwestern Oklahoma, ensuring schools adhered to accreditation standards. He retired on December 1, 2024.

Kirk accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a tent revival as a young teenager. He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Woodward, where he served in numerous capacities, including the nursery, choir, Wednesday night meals, and cooking at Falls Creek—where his Falls Creek chicken won first place in a cooking competition.

A devoted fan of OU football and softball, Kirk also found joy in grilling and fishing. He passionately supported all Boomer activities, embodying the Boomer Spirit: Once a Boomer, Always a Boomer. However, his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye.

Kirk was preceded in death by his parents, William and Opal Warnick; father-in-law, Leon Rash; brother-in-law, Preston Rash; and other loved ones. His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Regina; daughters Chelsea Love and husband Owen of Norman, OK, Rachel Bilbo and husband Kyle of Ft. Moore, GA, and Katie Anderson and husband Augustus of Coweta, OK; grandchildren Archer, Everley, and Hudson Love, and Rhett and Brynn Bilbo; brother Gary Warnick and wife Donna of Clinton, OK; mother-in-law Leola Rash of Woodward, OK; sister-in-law Dea Rash of Stillwater, OK; and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, relatives, colleagues, students, and friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Woodward First Baptist Church, Woodward Public Schools, Dr. Kirkendall, and the members of Kirk's care team at M.D. Anderson for their unwavering love and support.

In Lieu of Flowers
Memorial donations may be made to Falls Creek Scholarship Fund
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859