John Wares
December 18th, 1956 - March 29th, 2026
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John's Obituary
John Q. Wares, 69, of Decatur, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Born on December 18, 1956, in Dowagiac, John was the son of the late Robert L. and Imogene (Haithcox) Wares. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1975 and carried with him a lifelong appreciation for simple joys and meaningful connections.
John found his greatest peace outdoors with his best friend, Leroy Starrett. Whether he was casting a line in the water, heading out for a hunt, or tending to his garden, he was happiest with his hands in the earth or surrounded by nature. He took great pride in what he grew, and even more pride in sharing it with others. A lover of blues music, John enjoyed going to concerts whenever he could, with his grandchildren, Jorden and Senya, and at home you could almost always find a good western playing on the television.
He had a special gift for bringing people together. John made his own wine, something he truly enjoyed sharing with family and friends, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, never hesitating to lend a hand or offer support. His kindness, generosity, and easygoing spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
John’s greatest accomplishment was being a dad and papa. As a single father, he raised two daughters. He didn’t say “I Love You” with words, he showed it by growing Jorden’s favorite tomatoes or blueberries or him cooking turtle and frog legs, because Senya loved it. He made sure his sons-in-law were celebrated for their birthdays by having large parties. Above all, John cherished his family.
He is survived by his three daughters, Doreen (LaMonte Sr.) Joiner, Maegan (John) Hannah, and Mariah (Jaysen Klinger) Wares; his beloved grandchildren, LaMonte Joiner Jr., Jorden Hannah, and Senya Hannah; two great-grandchildren, Uri and Davi Joiner; brother, William “Billy” Wares; sister, Juanita Wares; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Imogene Wares; his brothers, Robert “Eddy” Wares Sr., and Wesley Wares; and his sister, Valerie Bennett.
John will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his warm heart, his generous spirit, and the many ways he made life richer for those around him.
A service to celebrate Johns’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with his family from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses.
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit John’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
Born on December 18, 1956, in Dowagiac, John was the son of the late Robert L. and Imogene (Haithcox) Wares. He graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1975 and carried with him a lifelong appreciation for simple joys and meaningful connections.
John found his greatest peace outdoors with his best friend, Leroy Starrett. Whether he was casting a line in the water, heading out for a hunt, or tending to his garden, he was happiest with his hands in the earth or surrounded by nature. He took great pride in what he grew, and even more pride in sharing it with others. A lover of blues music, John enjoyed going to concerts whenever he could, with his grandchildren, Jorden and Senya, and at home you could almost always find a good western playing on the television.
He had a special gift for bringing people together. John made his own wine, something he truly enjoyed sharing with family and friends, turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, never hesitating to lend a hand or offer support. His kindness, generosity, and easygoing spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
John’s greatest accomplishment was being a dad and papa. As a single father, he raised two daughters. He didn’t say “I Love You” with words, he showed it by growing Jorden’s favorite tomatoes or blueberries or him cooking turtle and frog legs, because Senya loved it. He made sure his sons-in-law were celebrated for their birthdays by having large parties. Above all, John cherished his family.
He is survived by his three daughters, Doreen (LaMonte Sr.) Joiner, Maegan (John) Hannah, and Mariah (Jaysen Klinger) Wares; his beloved grandchildren, LaMonte Joiner Jr., Jorden Hannah, and Senya Hannah; two great-grandchildren, Uri and Davi Joiner; brother, William “Billy” Wares; sister, Juanita Wares; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Imogene Wares; his brothers, Robert “Eddy” Wares Sr., and Wesley Wares; and his sister, Valerie Bennett.
John will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his warm heart, his generous spirit, and the many ways he made life richer for those around him.
A service to celebrate Johns’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, at Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St, Dowagiac, where friends may visit with his family from 1:00 PM until the time of service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to assist with funeral expenses.
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit John’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
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