WARWICK JOHN DRAKEFORD

Fort Worth, Texas - On the afternoon of March 16, Warwick went home to be with our Lord and savior at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, in the presence of his daughter, Amy, and her mother, Andrea Drakeford.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm Saturday, April 1, in the Fleming Chapel on the northwest side of Broadway Baptist Church, at 305 W Broadway Ave.  Warwick’s inurnment service will immediately follow where he will be placed in the niche below his parents in the church’s columbarium.  For his international family and friends that are unable to travel, the services will be live streamed and available for viewing for approximately two weeks following the service.  The internet address to view the live stream is broadwaybc.org/live-stream/

Warwick Drakeford was born in Sydney, Australia, the eldest of two sons of Dr. John Drakeford and Robina Bailie.  Dr. Drakeford accepted a position at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth which brought the family to the United States when Warwick was 13 years old.  They attended Broadway Baptist Church where he met and married Andrea.  Having graduated from R. L. Paschal High School, Warwick went on to Texas Christian University where he received his bachelor’s degree with a minor in French Revolution and a major in accounting.  He was the youngest, at that time, to pass the CPA exam on his first attempt in the state of Texas.  Having worked briefly at General Dynamics he began his accounting career with Arthur Young.

Warwick and Andrea had two daughters, Kimberly, and Amy.  In 1972, Warwick and Andrea divorced, and Warwick moved to New York.  He loved to travel, play tennis, cook, and eat all international cuisines, was an avid fan of classical music, loved good wine, and built an international friendship base.  Eventually moving back to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to be closer to his aging parents.  In doing so, gave him the opportunity to add CFP and CLU to his list of professional certifications.

Warwick also served on the board of directors for the Fort Worth Osteopathic Hospital, while in existence.  He was an avid supporter and friend of Curt Thompson, the founder of the Mimir Chamber Music Festival celebrating its 26^th anniversary season in 2023.  The Mimir Chamber Music Festival enjoys long-standing support from the TCU School of Music and internationally, from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in Australia.

Warwick returned to Broadway Baptist Church and was very involved in the church and worship classes with the “Ragamuffins” until his stroke led him to need a higher level of care.  He moved to assisted living at The Vantage in Fort Worth, where he lived among many Broadway Baptist Church members and friends.

Developing vascular dementia after the stroke led to the need of an additional level of care that made him move to the Bethesda Gardens Memory Care in Fort Worth, TX.  He made an instant connection with “Ms. Betty” amongst other caregivers at Bethesda Gardens.  He resided there until the event that led to his passing.

In addition to his daughters, Kimberly and Amy, both of Fort Worth, Warwick is survived by six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; his brother, Brenton Drakeford and his wife, Sharon of Dallas; and two nephews.  His daughter, Amy,  would like to thank Johnnie Green, who spent many years caring for and her friendship with the Drakeford family.

Memorials:  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to honor Warwick Drakeford’s favorite cause, The Mimir Chamber Music Festival.  Donations can be made on their website at mimirfestival.org/support/.