Dr. Michael Larry Warneke's Obituary
Michael Larry Warneke passed away on February 25, 2026 in Pearland, Texas after a long battle with prostate cancer. He is survived by his son, Dr. Richard Warneke, daughter-in-law, Joy Warneke, his grandchildren, Chase Warneke, Carson Warneke, Cooper Warneke, his ex-wife, Dr. Angelle Warneke, and numerous cousins and nieces. He is preceded in death by his father, Merlin Warneke and mother, Bess Warneke.
Born on February 10, 1947, in Ashland, Kentucky, Mike grew up Galena Park, Texas and graduated from Galena Park High School in 1965. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Houston in 1969. He went on to receive his Doctorate of Philosophy in Nuclear Physics from the University of Houston in 1974. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico in 1976. He eventually decided on a career in medicine. During medical school, he completed a clinical elective in aerospace medicine at NASA and considered becoming an astronaut. He graduated from The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine in 1979. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at UT Houston in 1984.
Mike started his practice (Progressive Medical Clinic) in Southeast Houston in 1985. With the opening of Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in 1986, this became his primary hospital of practice for the next 32 years. He served as Chief of Staff at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital from 2006 to 2008. From 2010 to 2015, he served as the Director of Quality/Chief Medical Officer for Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital reviewing medical cases to improve the delivery of medical care. He eventually retired from clinical practice in 2018. He considered it a privilege that patients put their trust in him to care for them. It was a responsibility hid did not take lightly. He was a staunch advocate for his patients and his colleagues.
In his spare time, he enjoyed flying his single engine airplanes and would be found most Wednesday afternoons flying his Mooney M20. In his later years, he transitioned to flying model airplanes with his friends at the local airport. As much as he enjoyed airplanes, what brough Mike the most joy was spending time with his family. Watching his three grandchildren grow and accomplish their goals filled him with a deep sense of pride.
A memorial to honor Mike’s life will be held at South Park Funeral Home located at 1310 North Main Street, Pearland, Texas 77581 on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4 – 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choosing.
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