XAVIER A. WARNELL

Nov. 5, 1950 - Mar. 5, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Xavier Alonzo Warnell, 62, passed away peacefully with his loved ones by his side on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. He was born to Joseph Warnell Sr. and Lula Bell Crawford on November 5, 1950, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his sister, Stephanie Morgan.

Xavier graduated from John Adams High School in 1969. He then pursued a secondary education where he obtained a Bachelors degree in journalism at Indiana University of Bloomington. In 2005, he received a Masters degree in public relations at the University of Miami.

Xavier lived in Florida for over 30 years and during that time he worked as a news reporter, a communications coordinator for the Miami-Dade Public Defenders Office, where he created a presentation kit that won a 2007 Best Public Defender Office Award from the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. He was also a CNN TV corresponder for the Nancy Grace Show reporting on criminal trials in South Florida.

While living back home in South Bend, Indiana for the past four years, Xavier was an active member of Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor H. G. Haygood. He loved his church family and would willingly provide his time whenever asked. Xavier worked for the popular news station, WSBT, where he was a sales and marketing representative. He was also a financial manager for the LaSalle Landing Lodge #298 and Daughters of Pride of South Bend Temple #264. Xavier, better known as Alonzo or "Al" to his fellow Eastsiders, lovingly served on the Eastside Reunion committee and eagerly awaited his participation in the next reunion. Alonzo was a fun-loving soul. His smile enlightened any person he encountered. He was adventurous, energetic and joyful all of the time.

Xavier leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Shirley Warnell of South Bend, IN; three children, Courtney Warnell of Indianapolis, IN, Joseph Warnell of Detroit, MI and Taylor Warnell and her mother, Stephanie Bromfield-Warnell of Miami, FL; two stepchildren, Daphne and Courtney Bromfield; one grandson, Robert Warnell of Indianapolis, IN; his fiancée, Sonya Davis (Sydni, Sykia and Teon); his sister, Shantel (Jaimes) Monroe; his nieces, Amber Easton and Alexus Monroe, all of South Bend, IN; and a nephew, Jaimes Monroe Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, four great-nephews and one great-niece.

The family of Xavier Warnell wishes to thank all of his family and friends who kept him lifted up in prayer. Special thanks to the wonderful workers at Michiana Hematology Oncology, Douglas Road Office. Your love and kindness has meant so much to us. And to the caring staff of the 10th floor of Memorial Hospital. We appreciate the great care you extended to our loved one. Please continue to pray for us. God bless you. The Family of Xavier Warnell.

The funeral service for Xavier Warnell will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, March 11, 2013 at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary, where messages of condolence may be emailed to alfordsmortuary@att.net c/o The Warnell Family.