“Joe F. Ware, Jr., 80, retired Manager of the J.C. Penney store in El Dorado, died December 26, 2009 at Via Christi- St. Francis hospital in Wichita. He was born May 30, 1929, in Vandalia, Missouri, the son of Joe F. Ware and Opal Branstetter Ware. His parents, infant daughter Susan, and brother-in-law, Dr. Joe Casper, Topeka, preceded him in death.

Joe left Vandalia High School at age 17 to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. Although he did not, to his regret, have the opportunity serve abroad, Joe was proud his entire life to have served in the Corps. After his discharge, he attended the University of Missouri – Columbia majoring in industrial psychology. It was there he met and married Jane Casper of Topeka in December 1951.

Joe began his career with J.C. Penney as a management trainee in Topeka in 1952 and subsequently served in Wichita and Hutchinson before coming to EL Dorado as a store manager in 1962. Joe’s past memberships were in the El Dorado Elks Lodge, Lion’s Club, El Dorado, Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce. He served several times as the chair of the retail committee and was a recognized leader along Main Street. He was a dedicated supporter of Trinity Episcopal Church. After retirement, Joe enjoyed the travels that took them to all 50 states and 36 foreign countries. Above all he loved and valued the time he had with his family, his greatest joy.

In addition to his wife Jane, of the home, Joe is survived by three children and spouses: Dr. J. A. “Tony” Ware and wife Asia of Indianapolis, IN, Mariann Bardezbain and husband Danny of Wichita, and Bryan Ware and wife Ginger of River Forest, IL. Five grandchildren and two step grandchildren also survive: Gabriel Ware of Munich, Germany, Rachel Ware of London, England, Emily Ware of Washington, D.C., Lila and Cameron Ware of River Forest and Amy and Will Bardezbain of Wichita. A cousin Janie Zimmer and husband Jerry of Vandalia and sister-in-law, Betty Casper of Topeka, also survive.

The service will be Saturday, January 2, 2010 at 11:00 at Trinity Episcopal Church, with the Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe, Bishop of Kansas presiding. Cremation has preceded the service.

Memorials have been established with Trinity Episcopal Church and Heifer International and may be left with Kirby-Morris Funeral Home which has the service.”

Source:  El Dorado Times ~ January 21, 2010

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Mike Weber  Record added: Feb 02, 2012