Died on August 11, 2005 at Borgess Hospital surrounded by his family. Harley was born on September 1, 1915 in Greenville, OH, the son of David and Maggie (Mason) Ware. He grew up in the Calvin Center/Cassopolis area and later served in the Conservation Corps in Northern Michigan. He proudly served his country as a master carpenter in the U.S. Army during World War II, having served in campaigns in Algeria-French Morocco, Naples-Foggia, Rhineland and Central Europe until his discharge as a Tech 5 in 1945. Harley was employed by the Brundage Company, the Shakespeare Company, Triestram Drugs and as a bartender at the Park Club, where he was recently honored for his years of service. Harley also was well known for his catering and bartending at private parties throughout the years. His employment career was completed after 35 years at the James River Paper Company until his retirement in 1980. Harley was a member of the Jolly Fellows Club for over 35 years and where he served as treasurer for 25 years. He was also a member of the Allen Chapel, A.M.E. Church and an enthusiastic member of the Ecumenical Senior Center. Harley was a master gardener; he loved gardening and yard work and would give his vegetables away to neighbors and friends. He also enjoyed cooking, fishing and woodworking and was a sharp dresser. He also kept a clean car and loved to socialize with everyone. Harley was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Virginia (Hackley), who died on December 8, 2004 and by a brother, Harvey P. Ware, a sister Nellie Ware Kennison and a son Sgt. Donald L. Chandler. Surviving are a daughter, Michelle Ware Dancer and husband Odie L. Dancer, Jr. of Kalamazoo and 2 sons, George (Mary) Chandler, Jr. and Michael B. Chandler, all of Kalamazoo and Sgt. Major Richard Gibbs of Columbus, GA; 10 grandchildren, including 2 special grandchildren, DeMarco (daughter Khadejah Shavers) McAllister and Tyler Dancer; a brother-in-law Robert Kennison of Kalamazoo and a host of nieces, nephews and special friends. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 19th at the Allen Chapel, A.M.E. Church, 804 W. North St. with the Rev. Jerry McNeeley officiating. Interment with military honors in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Memorial contributions in Harley’s memory may be made to the Ecumenical Senior Center, the A.M.E. Church or the charity of your choice. www.langelands.com

Source:  Kalamazoo Gazette (MI) – Sunday, August 14, 2005