Cecil F. Warner papers

Cecil F. Warner was born June 13, 1915 in Parker, Indiana. He attended Tri-State College in Angola, Indiana, earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1939, a Master of Science from Lehigh University in 1942, Bethlehem, PA, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1945.

In 1942 Professor Warner joined the Purdue University School of Mechanical Engineering and retired after nearly 40 years as Professor of M.E. in 1981, but he continued part time until 1996. He was instrumental in developing the Purdue Jet Propulsion Laboratory and pioneered research in liquid fueled rocket engines. Warner initiated courses in rocket propulsion, air pollution, thermodynamics and the internal combustion engine laboratory. Many of his students have made major contributions to industry and the space effort of not only our country but of the world. During two stints at Aerojet General Corporation, he was Project Engineer for Nuclear Rocket and Liquid Rocket Divisions. Warner was a team member instrumental in developing the fuels used in the space shuttle. He authored five texts and numerous articles in his area of expertise. He was active in the American Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics, and was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Sigma Xi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Tau Beta Pi.

Warner was active in the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, Habitat for Humanity, and Home Hospital Thrift Shop. He received numerous civic awards including Scouting's Silver Beaver, The Golden Deed and Good Neighbor Awards during his retirement career of volunteering.