Louise Oman Warner

Mary Louise Oman (Omie) Warner

Louise Oman Warner, MD. age 95, died on December 2, 2025 at her home in Ashville, OH. She was born in Columbus, OH in 1930 and raised there, graduating from Columbus North High School. In 1953, she married Jack Warner; both graduated from the OSU College of Medicine, interned at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, and were residents in anesthesia at OSU, joining the staff at Nationwide Childrens’ Hospital in 1960. She practiced anesthesia part-time for 25 years, and was Director of Clinical Anesthesia Research for another 12 years, serving on the Human Subjects Research Committee.

She is preceded in death by parents Galen and Mary Oman, husband Dr. Jack Warner (1996) and daughter Gale Lynne Warner (1991). She is survived by son David (Julie) Warner, grandchildren Carolyn, Jonathan (Stephanie) and Nathaniel (Danielle) Warner, 5 great-grandchildren and former son-in-law, Dr. David (Ronit) Ziv-Kreger.

In 2001, she married Clyde Wilson Gosnell (architect, founder of Design Group and designer of the Christopher Inn) and is also survived by his family: children Lisa (Paul) Wentz, Brad Gosnell, Laurie (Jim) Patterson; six grandchildren: Markus (Sarah) Patterson, Megan (Tyler) Olenick, Matthew Patterson, Christina (Chad) Everitt, Angela (Chris) Wetzig and Sydney (Joe) Buchanan-Riley; and two great-grandchildren.

With her late daughter’s input, Louise co-founded the Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware, OH with her husband, Dr. Jack Warner, in 1991 – an educational farm and nature preserve whose mission is to show children where their food and fiber come from, and to awaken in them a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world. In addition, she was on the founding boards of Innovative Farmers of Ohio, Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council, and the Teays Valley Educational Foundation. She also served on the Governing Board of the Ohio State Medical Alumni Society, the Pickaway County Family YMCA, the Friends of the Hocking Hills State Park and Appalachia OH Alliance (a land conservancy).

Her awards include induction into the OH Department of Natural Resources’ Hall of Fame (with Clyde – they implemented the relocation of Rt. 664 at Old Man’s Cave and the John Glenn Astronomy Park) and the National Association of State Park Directors (President’ Award along with Clyde). She was also inducted into the Delaware County Agriculture’s Hall of Fame. Other awards included The Spirit of Philanthropy (Community Foundation of Delaware County), Josephine Sitterle Failer Award (OSU Alumni Association), Alumni Achievement Award (OSU College of Medicine), Leader in Philanthropy Award (The Columbus Foundation, with Clyde), Leave a Legacy (Central OH Planned Giving), Song Sparrow (Columbus Audubon with Clyde), and the Service Award from the Ohio Ecological Food and Farming Association.

Omie was widely loved and respected. She had a way of letting you know she accepted you the way you were and loved you for it. She was at ease talking on a high academic level and also on a personal level with people from all walks of life. She continued her interest in medicine throughout her life; it was not uncommon for her to research a friend’s condition and help guide them through their options. Her other interests included singing in the AAUW glee club, folk dancing, choreographing (5 high school musicals), gardening and food preservation, birding, hiking, land preservation, and caring about her family and friends.

In conclusion, a message from her husband Clyde Gosnell:

"I have been blessed to have had two lovely wives in my long life: Sue, lost many years too young, and Louise 'Omie' late in life. I must have done something right or special to have two chances in life, and then be so blessed with Omie's cherished love during our many later years. Dear Omie and I gave our best to society, caring and founding so many entities to better Mother Earth and the children learning their way through their paths and life travels. Our many lovely friends and family supported this mission throughout our life. 

I’d like to share a mediation about Cherishing the Moment: The water, new life from last night’s rain gurgles over the rocks, while the birds sing praise to the morning sunrise, the same as it has always been. But, today my soul stirs as I feel the presence of my founding, to share with dear family and friends. While I stroll, through the cool, hazy, morning air, a light breeze caresses the perspire from my heartbroken brow; I now struggle to feel whole and wholesome again... I am filled with more love and appreciation than I have ever experienced before. I am grateful for the same views, today as before, while I progress along my continued journey of life - and know the earth’s warmth will soon caress, and will be ever more valued. At best, to remember the peace I have previously experienced. This, too, shall pass along as life moves on, never to return to the same place twice, never will another morning mist exist the same as this! Cherish the moment, our dear friends and family; yes cherish the presence before it is gone.

Omie and I were fortunate to have grown enough to appreciate the gentle and natural things of life, which helps to make the day to day experiences, dear losses, new family and long friend. And yet now, the opportunities beholding the love of my life, spirit and soul - while having to adjust my life and find peace alone! Tears today and tomorrow for my dearest Omie – and love of a gifted life."

More tears, Clyde Gosnell

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stratford Ecological Center (stratfordecologicalcenter.org) would be appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home, Ashville. A Memorial Service is being planned for sometime in the spring at Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware. Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com