Michael Stephen Ware, 53, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday (May 23, 2013) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of Wendell and Ivorene (Stanbaugh) Ware, he was born June 6, 1959 in Kirksville, Missouri. On June 6, 1981 in Winigan, Missouri, Michael was united in marriage to Martha Mills and to this union three children were born. On April 6, 2011 in Kirksville, Missouri, he married Debbie L. Black.

Michael is survived by his wife, Debbie of the home; one son, Timothy Ware of Winigan, MO; two daughters, Allison Stephenson of Winigan, MO and Alyssa Clark of Brookfield, MO; one granddaughter, Brinlee Clark; two step sons, Michael Black and Caleb Yardley and wife Charity all of Kirksville, MO; one step daughter, Latrisha Hicks and husband, James of Warrensburg, MO; his father-in-law, Jerry Black and wife Carol of Kirksville, MO; two brothers, Lowell Ware and wife Marie of IA and Eldon Ware of CO; and one nephew, Bradley Ware.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents.

Michael was a graduate from Pleasant Valley High School in Iowa, with the Class of 1977. He served in the Army shortly after high school and was a graduate from Central Texas College. Michael returned to the area and was employed for Kraft Foods nineteen years. He them worked for the Army National Guard until retiring in 2011.

Michael loved hunting, fishing, hiking, collecting antiques, making molasses, wine, and playing with his two dogs, Lester and Foxie. He also loved spending time in the orchard, greenhouse and riding his motorcycle. His greatest love was spending time with his children and granddaughter.

It was Michael’s wish to be cremated and a Memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (May 29, 2013) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Larry Page presiding.

Interment with military honors will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (May 29, 2013) at the Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Michael Ware Memorial Fund for the education of his granddaughter. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.