John Benton Ware, 66, passed away at his home early Sunday morning, while comforted by family. John was an amazing dad, who loved his family, and worked hard to show them how to live a life pleasing to God, and did so by example. John was born in Henderson, NV and grew up with a love for life and living it to the fullest. John was always involved in sports, and was an all-star baseball and basketball player at Basic High School, setting school records in his day. He was able to go to Northern Arizona University for academics and baseball, served time in the National Guard, was awarded the honor to belong to the Governor’s Twenty, and finished his bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma Christian University. He was a teacher and coach for several years, but ultimately spent his career as a salesman in the automotive industry. He worked for Monroe Shocks and Struts for over 20 years, and most recently retired from Beams Seatbelts. He loved working hard, enjoyed those he worked with, and always appreciated the support his coworkers provided him during his battle with cancer. He worked hard for his family, never selfish, always showing a spirit of perseverance and discipline. He was a people person, and will be remembered for his story-telling ability, his inability to “make a long story short,” but also his desire to listen to others and make them feel important. He loved watching sports with his friends and family, taking trips to the lake, and Braum’s ice cream. His battle with cancer was a long one…one he fought diligently and with the utmost courage. His family is grateful for the example he provided, the memories he created, and for holding on as long as he could.
Beautiful tribute to a great man. We miss you John.
Love from our family.
Greg & Janice
John had a knack of relating to people – the kind that many of us wish we had. He seemed to have something in common with everyone he came in contact with. John certainly did love his sports! I first met him when he attended one of my high school football games (and I think it was Virginia and John’s first date). It was windy and cold with sleeting rain in Nowata – we shouldn’t have been playing – they certainly shouldn’t have been watching. During a summer sporting event, I broke my jaw and it was John who spent the night with me in the hospital until surgery the next day. John did many things with me – for me – the things that brothers do for each other. I can only hope that John left knowing how special he was to me, and my family.