Denver James Way, Sr. was born in Plainview, Texas on May 27, 1927 to James Arthur and Christine Hamilton Way. He was one of 10 children and learned early the value of family. He developed a very deep love for his family that endured for all of his nearly 91 years. As a child of the depression he also learned the importance of hard work and the value of the dollar. He was determined to provide well for his wife and sons and did so no matter the long hours or multiple jobs that required. In 1945 he met, fell in love with, and married Wilma Mae Sipes of Snyder, Texas. Denver served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a part of the “greatest generation!” He and Wilma had 2 sons: Denver James Way, Jr. and Jimmy (Jim) Dwain Way. Jim married Gay who quickly became Denver’s little girl. Around 1953 Denver’s grandmother, Mama Hamilton, introduced Denver and Wilma to the LORD Jesus Christ. They repented of their sins, trusted Jesus as their personal savior and were never the same again. Denver served the LORD in many positions inside and outside of the Church. He volunteered as a prison minister for many years in Brownwood, Texas. He cherished that ministry and delighted in every prisoner he saw come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Denver and Wilma loved and raised 2 of their grandchildren as their own: Denny Way and De’Ona Acosta. He is survived by his 2 sons, 6 grandchildren including Jeremy, Ben, Matt and Marc Way, and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. He cherished each one as they did him. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Delwin Way of Kerrville and Billy Way of Brenham and 2 sisters, Naoma Birkner of Conroe and Neva Steiner of Kerrville. As “big brother” he loved and felt responsible for each of them. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and loving cousins. He will be missed by all of them.
Denver slipped quietly from the presence of his loving family to the presence of the LORD on May 23. A service to honor and thank the LORD and celebrate Denver’s life will be held at the Davis-Morris Funeral Home in Brownwood on Saturday, May 26 at 1:00 pm. The family will gather and receive guests before the service.
