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Thomas Michael Ware, age 72, of White Pigeon, passed away late Sunday evening, November 23, 2025, at Beacon Health Systems Three Rivers Health with his family by his side.
He was born April 22, 1953 in Dayton, Ohio, a son of the late Donald Ray and Mary Lou (Brinkman) Ware.
Tom had resided in White Pigeon since 1998, coming from Sturgis, where he graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1971 and later continued his education at Glen Oaks Community College, earning an associate degree. On September 1, 1973, he married the love of his life, Traci L. Penn, at the Sturgis Wesleyan Church. The two first met while working together at the A & W Root Beer stand, where their lifelong love story began.
Tom retired in 2013 from Abbott Labs in Sturgis after 38 years of dedicated service as an instrument technologist and crew leader. During his time there, he played on the Ross softball team and faithfully coordinated the company blood drive for many years.
Above all, Tom was known for his heart of a servant. He loved serving God through the way he cared for his family, friends, and church. His favorite week of the year was “Lake Week,” a family tradition of more than 40 years. Tom joyfully prepared his home each summer for over 40 people to stay together, something that brought him immense happiness. He also passed down his love of the outdoors by teaching his son and grandsons how to fish.
He was an active member of Trinity Missionary Church in Constantine, where he faithfully served as head trustee and participated on the worship team. In previous years, he also organized the CROP Walk and was active in Right to Life at a church he previously attended. Tom was a member of the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club and a former member of the Christian Motorcycle Association.
Tom enjoyed many hobbies, but what made those moments special were the people he shared them with. He loved attending rock concerts with his closest friends, riding his motorcycle, including an annual trip to the Mackinaw Bridge—hunting with Michael, and fishing with his son, grandchildren, brother, and friends. He delighted in buying each grandchild their first fishing pole on their fifth birthday, and one of their favorite traditions was racing slot cars together every year in his basement.
He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 52 years, Traci; his children: Tricia (Aaron) Plumhoff of New Castle, Indiana, Stephanie (Heath) Condon of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Marc (Vanessa) Ware of Sturgis, and Brooke (Matthew) Moses of White Pigeon; his grandchildren: Caleb, Samuel, Josiah, Anna, Haylee, Kelsey, Cole, Dillan, Nick, Halle, Kylie, Benjamin, William, Ryan, Lulu, and Emily; sisters: Janet Cox of Bronson, Kathy Perry, and Mary (Todd) Crites, both of Sturgis; brothers: John (Nancy) Ware of White Pigeon and Mike (Marcia) Ware of Union; brother-in-law: Daryl Thrams of Sturgis; father- and mother-in-law: Gary (Fran) Penn of Sturgis; brother-in-law: Terry (Karen) Penn of Sturgis; sisters-in-law: Toni Ragland of Columbia, Tennessee, and Tami (Michael) Miller of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Thrams; and brother-in-law, Johnny Cox.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, November 28th at the Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Road in Sturgis, and from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 29th at Trinity Missionary Church, 64890 US-131 BUS in Constantine. Funeral services celebrating the life of Thomas Michael Ware will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday. Pastor Terry Neumayer will officiate. A continued time of fellowship and sharing of a meal will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at Nottawa Cemetery in Nottawa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Trinity Missionary Church, 64890 US-131 BUS, Constantine, MI 49042.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
