Linden A. Warfel graduated from Unity High School in 1959. He continued his education at Wabash College, transferring to the University of Illinois in 1961 to study agricultural economics. Following college and active duty with the Air Force Reserves, Mr. Warfel began farming in Champaign and Douglas counties, eventually centering his farming operation on the family Centennial Farm. He soon became involved with various local civic organizations. Mr. Warfel served on the Unit Seven School Board for ten years, during which time he became interested in the processes for school funding. He subsequently campaigned statewide for changes in K-12 funding, co-authoring the Illinois Farm Bureau's "Change How Illinois Education is Funded" initiative. A long time Champaign County Farm Bureau member, Mr. Warfel served on its board of directors and serves currently on its Legislative Committee. In 1989, he received the News-Gazette Farm Leader of the Year award. In 1991, he was elected to the Parkland College Board of Trustees, on which he continues to serve. Mr. Warfel has also been active at the state level, serving a term as president of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association and co-chairing committees addressing funding issues for the Illinois Community College Board. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Ray Hartstein Outstanding Community College Trustee in Illinois award. Mr. Warfel has served as an Explorer Scout leader, a Royal Ranger scout leader, a church elder and deacon, and a member of the Tolono Village board. His service club memberships have included the Tolono Lions Club, and currently, the Champaign Rotary Club. As a Rotarian, he has chaired the World Community Service Committee, coordinating potable water projects in India, Tajikistan, and Haiti.