The Rev. Dr. Virgil H. Ware, 81, of Kanawha City died suddenly March 9, 2004, at his home.

He was born July 20, 1922, at Marmet, the son of the late Rev. H.W. Ware and Ada Riggleman Ware. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Edgar G. Ware.

Dr. Ware was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 29th Infantry Division in the European Theater, and was a POW. He described his war experiences in his book, Letters to Our Grandchildren. Dr. Ware was a third generation Methodist minister with over 50 years of service. He graduated from Morris Harvey College and Vanderbilt University and received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He served churches in Lebanon, Tenn., and in Huntington, Charleston, Clarksburg, Summersville and Williamstown in West Virginia. He also served as treasurer and executive secretary of Pension Funds Inc. for the West Virginia United Methodist Conference and served as United Methodist Conference secretary for many years. In retirement, Dr. Ware continued to serve as agent for the West Virginia United Methodist Conference trustees. He attended and assisted with services at Christ Church United Methodist, Charleston.

Dr. Ware had a lifelong interest in woodworking and crafted many items for family and friends. He was interested in family and proud of his mountain heritage.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Jane Linn Ware; one sister and her husband, Harriet and Tom Greenwood of Germantown, Tenn.; one son and his wife, David V. and Trudy Ware of Jane Lew; three daughters and their husbands, Janice and Ray Sundstrom of Freemansburg, Joyce and Steve Brown of Mount Nebo, Gayle and Peter Jayne of Ingleside, Md.; grandchildren, John Warder, Sam Ware, Tim Harsha, Debbie Harsha Birckhead, Kristen Peck Eakle, Katie Peck, Rebecca Jayne and Brian Jayne; and great-granddaughter, Georgia Warder.

Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, at Christ Church United Methodist, Charleston, with Bishop William Boyd Grove, Dr. Keith Clarke, the Rev. Reggie Rowell and the Rev. William Deel officiating. Burial with graveside service will be 4 p.m. Friday at Claremont Cemetery, Boothsville.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia, P.O. Box 3811, Charleston, WV 25338.

Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, is in charge of arrangements.

Source:  Charleston Daily Mail (WV) — Friday, March 12, 2004