Warren Wendt was a pioneering engineer, devoted family man, and a key figure in the early days of America’s space program. Born on a farm near Medford, Oregon, in 1932, he exhibited academic and athletic excellence from a young age. A standout scholar and athlete in high school, Warren served as student body president, sang in the choir, and excelled in varsity basketball and track. His senior year, he won the Oregon state championship in pole vault, a testament to his determination and skill.

In 1954, Warren graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. It was there that he met Kay, the love of his life, and the two married shortly after graduation. As a student, he was actively involved in Sigma Nu fraternity, ROTC, the Pershing Rifles, and the Arnold Air Society. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, serving at the Special Weapons Center at Kirtland Air Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He retired from the USAF in 1957.

Warren’s career took him to General Dynamics, where he became a central figure in the nation’s burgeoning space program. At the time, the U.S. was developing the Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, which later evolved into the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, responsible for sending unmanned spacecraft to the moon and beyond. Over a distinguished 35-year career, Warren wrote the official launch plans for nearly every major space mission between 1962 and 1992, including Viking, Voyager, Pioneer, and Surveyor. Even after his retirement, he maintained a deep passion for aerospace and, in 2007, played a role in planning a reunion to commemorate 50 years of the Atlas program.

Despite facing major health challenges for much of his adult life, Warren remained steadfast in his commitment to his family and his work. He passed away at his home in La Mesa, California, on March 28, 2008.

Link to the collection's finding guide.