Services for Donald R. “Duke” Ware, 79, of Kilgore will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2014 in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home of Kilgore with the Reverend Earl “Buddy” Duggins officiating. Burial will follow in the Danville Cemetery. Mr. Ware passed away on Friday, October 24, 2014 in Kilgore.

Duke was born on July 6, 1935, in Kilgore to Donnie and Ruby Jewel Ware. He attended and graduated from Kilgore High School. He was a cotton counter in Danville community as a youth and has always loved the rodeo with calf roping being his all time favorite rodeo event. Duke served his country in the National Guard. He married the love of his life Carol Tolbert and they were married for 40 years. He worked for Baker Petrolite for 33 years, never taking off from work unless his wife made him take his vacation time. He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather, his family was the source of his strength and joy. He was a member of the Danville Masonic Lodge # 105, Order of the Eastern Star # 630 where he served as Worthy Patron from 1974-75 and he was a Methodist. He loved fishing and karaoke. Duke never met a stranger and will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Donald R.“Sonny” Ware, Jr. of Kilgore; daughter, Susan Fairchild of Kilgore; six grandchildren, Amanda Audas and life partner Sherri Brown of Mansfield, Mark and Nicholas Audas of Kilgore, Justin Ware of Missouri and Chance Ware of Longview; two great-grandchildren, Tyler Brookshire of New Diana and Haylee Brown of Mansfield. Also left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, aunt, cousins, friends and other loving family members.

Mr. Ware was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Carol Tolbert Ware, brothers Dale and Jay Ware and a grandson, Joshua Brandon Ware.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening between six and eight p.m.

Source: raderfuneralhome.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=1586