Richard Warwick

Richard Warwick, 78, of Ames, and formerly of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Brian Chitwood officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am. A private family interment will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the American Heart Association and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared online with Richard’s family at www.smithfh.com

Richard Mitchell Warwick was born on November 4, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, and attended the Emerson School in Washington, D.C. He worked as a computer operator for two years before enlisting in the United States Army in 1967. Richard served for three years as a small missile repairman, including a 14-month tour in South Korea.

Following his military service, Richard worked in sales for Anabolic Vitamins and sold medical devices before founding Warwick Enterprises in 1982. His entrepreneurial spirit was closely connected to his Christian faith. When Grinnell Christian Church needed to expand its facilities, Richard prayed for a way to help support the project. Not long afterward, he visited a physician who expressed a need for a heel lift to correct differences in leg length. That conversation inspired the Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift and the business that became Richard’s life’s work. He took great pride in Warwick Enterprises and generously shared the fruits of his success with others.

A devout Christian, Richard was a member of Grinnell Christian Church for more than 30 years and taught Sunday school to junior high boys for more than 20 years. His faith guided his life, his relationships, and his desire to help others.

Richard enjoyed golf, bicycling, jogging, racquetball, fishing, woodworking, and caring for aquariums. He valued ongoing education and personal growth and was always interested in learning something new. Conversations with Richard could range from faith, family, and finances to aquariums and ideas for improving the business. Driven and energetic, he brought determination and enthusiasm to the things that mattered to him.

Known affectionately as “Duker,” “Lettuce,” “Letterman,” and “Big Guy,” Richard also delighted in life’s simple pleasures. A favorite tradition was celebrating his birthday at Hickory Park in Ames, where he enjoyed a complimentary ice cream treat and the happy birthday serenade. He loved every moment of the attention and celebration.

Richard will be remembered for his strong faith, generosity, kindness, and dedication to his life’s work, as well as the many ways he shared his blessings with others.

He is survived by his brothers, Jim Warwick and Ken (Paulette) Warwick; and his nieces, Virginia Warwick (Kevin) and Lisa Warwick (Jon). He was preceded in death by his parents.