Born in Pierre, he served in the United States Army for several years after receiving a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Dakota.

[1] After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Dakota,[4]: 33  Warne reported to an officer candidate school in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served nearly 4 years as a platoon leader and company commander.

[1][5] On February 14, 1952, Warne announced his campaign for the South Dakota Senate, seeking the Republican Party nomination for the 16th district.

[16][15] Warne petitioned the recount to the South Dakota Supreme Court, requesting that the latter review the challenged or thrown-out ballots.

[19] As representative, Warne introduced a bill that would have broadened the state's sales tax base to include hotels and motels.

[1] Warne's ranch, established in 1904,[23] is located roughly 20 miles northwest of Pierre and is approximately 8,500 acres (3,400 ha; 13.3 sq mi; 34 km2) in size.

[24] According to an obituary published in the Rapid City Journal, five Appaloosa horses who won national championships were bred on his ranch.

[25] Warne was appointed by Earl Butz, the United States secretary of agriculture, in March 1972 to serve on the 19-member Water Bank Advisory Board.

[26] In 1973, Warne's ranch won the South Dakota State Izaak Walton League Award for outstanding wildlife habitat management.