Jane Casper Ware, 85, died on April 4, 2015 in El Dorado KS, where she had resided for over 50 years. She was born February 14, 1930 in Topeka KS to Dr. Joseph T. and Marian Veal Casper. Jane graduated from Topeka High School in 1948, Cottey College in Nevada MO in 1950, and the University of Missouri in 1952, all with honors. She married Joe F. Ware Jr, originally of Vandalia MO, in 1951. They were married for 58 years and enjoyed many activities together. She was awarded a Masters Degree in Education from Wichita State University.
As a teacher and administrator in Wichita Public Schools for over 20 years, Jane was especially recognized for her role in the founding of Wichita Metro High, an alternative school that accommodated a variety of learning styles through tailored curriculum and learning environments. Her colleague Claradine Johnson and she were the first two women principals of public high schools in the state of Kansas. She also worked to become accredited to teach African-American history, at the request of interested students, becoming at the time the only Caucasian in the state accredited to teach it. In her time as a teacher and administrator, she touched and changed many lives, helping many troubled teens complete high school who otherwise wouldn’t have accomplished it. In 1983, because of her experiences in leading alternative education, she was invited to testify before the Health and Education Committee of the U.S. Senate.
Following her retirement from USD 259, Jane undertook study to join the clergy of the Episcopal Church, and she was ordained a deacon in 1995, serving at Trinity Episcopal Church in El Dorado for more than 15 years. In her service at Trinity, Jane provided pastoral support both inside and outside the church, including hospice care, meeting practical needs, leading a long-time Bible study group, and providing counseling. Frequently she served at the altar, preached, and sang in the choir. Jane’s gift of attentive listening and care for people was evident to all who came in contact with her.
Throughout her life Jane loved travel, birding, reading, line dancing and many other activities. Jane was preceded in death by her husband Joe F. Ware Jr. of El Dorado, her infant daughter, Susan and her brother Joseph T. Casper Jr. of Topeka. She is survived by three children: J. Anthony Ware (Asia Martin Ware) of Indianapolis IN, Mariann Ware Bardezbain (Danny) of Wichita, and Bryan Ware (Ginger) of Reno NV. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Gabriel Ware, Rachel Haynes-Ware (Marc Haynes), Emily Jane Dorosz (Christopher), Amy Bardezbain, Will Bardezbain, Lila Ware, and Cameron Ware.