Warren K. Vasey, 88, of Las Cruces, N.M., went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 18, 2008, with his loving wife of 55 years by his side.
He was born on Feb. 27, 1920, in Cozad, Neb., on the family farm, to Edgar J. Vasey and Elsie R. Vasey.
A devoted family man, Warren, at the age of 18, accepted the sole responsibility of running the farming operation when his father unexpectedly passed in 1938. He successfully managed the corn and hay crops for 12 years, until he heard and answered a higher calling.
Feeling the need to enter full-time Christian ministry, Warren enrolled at the Midwestern School of Evangelism in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 1950. During his time in school there, he married the love of his life, the former Wilma L Parker from Joplin, MO., on Oct. 31, 1952.
Upon completion of his schooling in 1954, Warren accepted a preaching position and moved his family across the country to the Highway 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home. He nurtured and challenged this congregation, presiding over some significant growth for two decades. In 1973, Warren became an elder for the church and accepted a position with the Sweet Home School District, retiring from the latter in 1985. Desiring to be closer to family, Warren and Wilma moved to Las Cruces, N.M., in 2003.
Just as it was said of his own father 70 years earlier, it was Warren's greatest desire to put Christ first in every area of his life. He was a defender of the faith and a deep student of the Word of God. Always putting others before himself, he refused to complain but rather would brighten the room with his easy smile.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma L. Vasey, of Las Cruces; daughter Marilyn J. Hughes and husband Alan of Colville, Wash.; son James K. Vasey and wife Shelly of Wichita, Kan.; and son Alan D. Vasey and wife Shelly of Las Cruces. He further leaves a legacy in 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary E. Vasey.
A memorial service in his honor was held July 22 in Las Cruces with Minister Greg Bowles officiating. A graveside service will follow in Cozad, Neb., at Grace Cemetery at 10 a.m. July 25.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, N.M., 575-526-2419. To sign the local online guest book see www.GetzFuneralHome.com
