Michael Murray Ware, passed away peacefully at Hospice of the Ozarks on Saturday, July 20, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years old.
Michael was born on November 29, 1941, in Seattle, Washington, to James and Alice Ware. In his early years, he found joy and camaraderie as a member of the Jolly Rogers motorcycle club. In the early 1980s, he embarked on a new chapter in his life, leaving Washington State to pursue new opportunities.
Throughout his career, Michael found fulfillment in working with heavy equipment, particularly in the rock quarry and housing authority sectors. It was during this time that he met and married the love of his life, Opal Miller, in March of 1985. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and shared passions.
Upon retirement, Michael embraced his hobbies with enthusiasm. He found solace and enjoyment in fishing, hunting, and raising rat terrier and beagle pups. A skilled craftsman, he pursued interests in gunsmithing, iron fabrication, working on jeeps, and woodwork. However, above all else, Michael cherished spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren Kadence, Khylin and Addylin, who brought him immense joy and pride.
Michael will be remembered for his kind heart, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones. His legacy of love, laughter, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Opal Ware; his children, sons, Tod Ware and wife Elizabeth of Arlington, VA, Lance Ware and Rick of Arlington, TX, Lester (Buddy) Ware and wife Tela of Thornfield MO, daughters, Hazel of Arlington, IL, Goldie of Leon, KS, Leslie Hurst and husband Eddie of Flippin, AR, Emma Purifoy of Little Rock, AR, and Jennifer Miller of Little Rock, AR; grandchildren; great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Graveside Service for Michael will be held Friday July 26, at 1pm at the Protem Cemetery in Protem, MO.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 26, 2024, from 10am to 12pm, in the Chapel at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Gainesville, MO.
Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Homes in Gainesville.
