Jay A. Ware

JAY ALLEN WARE

Jay Allen Ware, age 74, passed away on November 14, 2025. On August 28th, 1951, Jay was born to Kenny and Melva Goss Ware. Jay was competitive from the get-go; he made sure he was born first and was just a few minutes older than his younger twin sister Janice (although she swears, he was only born first because she kicked him out).

From an early age Jay was a daredevil, leveraging his natural athletic ability excelling in every sport he participated in. While attending Pleasant Hill High School Jay excelled in basketball, track, and football; still holding two school records to this day. Jay received full ride scholarship offers to play football from KU, K State and MU. Jay made the decision to bleed black and gold and be a MU Tiger.

As an adult Jay spent too many days to count playing golf at the Country Club, which led to Jay achieving six hole in ones. Jays’ love for sports never waived, he remained an avid fan of the PHHS Roosters (even with his son Travis playing for the Harrisonville Wildcats), MU
Tigers, KC Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.

Jay worked for United Telephone Co and for Mo Dot. Jay retired multiple times from Mo Dot but would find himself going back to work when they needed help.

On September 3, 1982, Jay married the love of his life Karen, she preceded him in death on November 22, 1997. Jay is survived by his son Jayson Travis Ware (Carrie) of Deepwater, MO. Granddaughter Maddie and Great Grandson Zavion of Pleasant Hill, sister Janice Hook (Charlie) of Blue Springs and many other friends and family.

Jay was preceded in death by his father and mother Kenneth & Melva Ware, his beloved wife Karen Ware and sister Joni Mabary.

Graveside services for Jay Allen Ware will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 24, 2025 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Pastor David Noble officiating. Casket Bearers will be Travis Ware, Jim Hull, Rick Graham, Mark Sharp, Brian Goodall, and Michael Francy. Honorary Bearers are Jim Quinn & Charlie Hook.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pleasant Hill Athletic Booster Club.