Stacy Arthur Ware

Stacy Arthur Ware, age 49, of Milan, Italy, died Monday, January 26, 2015, at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX. Stacy was born August 23, 1965, in Corpus Christi, TX, to Michael Ware and Marion (Clark) Foster. He married Debra (Sanford) Ware in 1995, and they were serving in Milan as missionaries for Great Commission Ministries. Stacy earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Wayland Baptist University in San Antoinio, TX. He had a commercial driver’s license, was an agent for Texas Farm Bureau and Allstate Insurance agencies, and owned Radar’s CB shop near San Antonio, TX. In 2012, Stacy became a missionary for GCM, becoming adept in speaking Italian and serving in Milan as an evangelist for college students and others. His hobbies included amateur ham radio, being an amateur chef — especially of Italian food — fishing, language, quoting from movies, and card and board games. He was an avid reader and teacher of the Bible. Stacy used his education, work and hobbies to develop deeper relationships and strengthen his love of life and people. Stacy was a kind, compassionate, inspirational, and life-affirming man, who loved to encourage his friends and family through laughter. This made him a selfless giver of time and finances. There was no obstacle large enough to keep Stacy from his passions and dreams. Above all else, he had a fierce desire to pursue a relationship with his Lord, Jesus Christ. Through this, he was able to recognize and encourage others and build trust with those to whom he ministered. Throughout his life, his family and those close to him were encouraged by Stacy’s ability to reach others through the Gospel, and the way he ran the race for Jesus Christ with such passion and joy. He pursued a calling to ministry in Milan with his best friend and wife, Debra. Stacy served joyously, using humor, honesty, respect and integrity to build trust and spread his passion for life with people. Stacy was a devoted and principled leader who valued the health and happiness of his wife and family. Stacy’s energy always provided light and joy in a room and led to more fulfilling and secure relationships. Stacy was deeply loyal to God and family, and always worked on strengthening his relationships as a husband, grandson, son, father, grandfather, sibling, in-law, uncle, friend and dear brother in Christ. He was respected and valued and loved by everyone who knew him. Stacy’s life is characterized by his favorite verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19, to “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the spirit’s fire...." Stacy lived a life of surrender, joyfully dedicated to the Lord, giving thanks, and fanning the Spirit's fire until his last day when Jesus welcomed him home with open arms saying "This is my son whom I love; well done good and faithful servant.” Although Stacy is at home with the Lord, his leadership, humor, love, energy and passion for life and family will be deeply missed and remain with us. Stacy is survived by his wife, Debra (Sanford) Ware, of Milan; three sons, Jason (Darlys) Werner of East Asia, Shawn (Daphne) Ware of College Station, TX, Bryan (Samantha) Ware of College Station, TX; his mother, Marion (Jim) Foster of Harker Heights, TX; two brothers, Josh (Lindsey) Randow of San Marcos, TX, Clay Ware, of San Antonio, TX; one sister, Michelle Ware, of Alabama; three grandchildren, Ellie and Kiley Werner, and Indie Ware; his mother-in-law, Shirley Sanford, of Sheridan, TX; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Stacy was preceded in death by his father, Michael Ware; his grandparents, Weldon and Louise Ware, and Buford and Mary Clark; and his father-in-law, Delbert Sanford. Memorials may be sent to Great Commission Ministries through their website at www.gcmweb.org