Aaron Michael Werner

Aaron “Michael” Werner, 56, of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away on February 9, 2025. Michael was born on August 7, 1968, in Santa Fe, Texas, the son of Ernest Herman Werner Jr. and Jesusita Gloria Sustaita Werner. Michael graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1986, then went on to Galveston College where he earned his A.A.S. He later attended Ottawa College where he earned his bachelor's degree and obtained numerous certifications.

In Michael’s professional life, he worked as an MRI technologist for over 20 years and spent the last 10+ years at the Arkansas VA Hospital. Michael was well-loved in his department and was known by his coworkers for his unparalleled kindness.

Growing up, Michael was an exceptional athlete. As a child, he played baseball and later went on to play football and track in high school. Michael gained the nickname “Spleen” during high school after being injured during a football practice. True to Michael's love for knowledge and the medical field, before telling his parents about his injury, he researched his symptoms in his bedroom using a medical journal and concluded that his spleen had ruptured, a conclusion later confirmed by a doctor.

Michael grew up as a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas, and served as an altar boy alongside his brother Karl. He regularly attended the New Life Church for the last 18 years in Maumelle, Arkansas, along with his children.

Michael loved his children more than anything. From dancing with his girls to visiting his son at the University of Arkansas, Michael was always there to support and love his children. Michael, or “Big Mike” as coined by his son's friends, was known by many as a wonderful mentor and trusted friend. He was also a great fan of football, and although he never wavered in his love for his childhood Texas Aggies, he found room in his heart for his new home team, the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Michael was the Maumelle Hornets basketball team's biggest fan. He never missed a game, even after his kids had long graduated.

Michael loved music and enjoyed listening to his favorite musicians: Jimmy Buffett, The Zac Brown Band, and Mana. His most prized possession was his favorite pair of 98-cent bright orange Walmart flip-flops. Michael’s support for his children was never-ending. He had a 100% attendance rate for all of his kids' activities, including a multitude of soccer games, baseball games, cross-country races, golf tournaments, band concerts, gymnastics meets, daddy-daughter dances, and Dad’s Fraternity and Sorority Days, just to name a few.

Michael made it his sole priority every Christmas to record his children opening their gifts on his iPad, as well as every youth and high school sporting event that he could. Michael’s summers and holidays were spent in Texas, where he loved to spend time with his kids. The family could be found floating on the Frio River in Concan, Texas, or walking along the beach in Galveston, Texas.

Michael’s famous sweet tea was always a household favorite, and his Kraft Mac and Cheese and fish sticks were culinary perfection. Michael's hugs were the best in the world—full of love, warmth, and comfort. His hugs portrayed his love and were never cut short.

Remaining to cherish Michael’s memories are his beloved children Meredith Grace Werner & fiancé Noah Adrian Smith, Grant Michael Werner, and Mallory Hope Werner; his father, Ernst Herman Werner Jr.; his brothers, Ernest “Ernie” Herman Werner III and Karl Eric Werner & spouse Marisa Werner; his sisters, Lisa Rene Clements & spouse Brett Clements, Michelle Marie McClane, and Gloria Christine Welsh; his nieces Paige Clements, Miranda Gross & spouse Kyle Gross, Erica Werner, Erin Werner, Jackie McClane; his nephews Schuyler Rockwell Reidel & spouse Kesenia Reidel, Justin Welsh, Tristan Clements, and Wyatt McClane.

Michael's celebration of life will be held at 6:30 PM on Friday, February 14, 2025, at his favorite pizza place, Jim’s Razorback Pizza 365 in Maumelle, Arkansas.