JAMES RONALD WARE

1926-2018

James Ronald Ware, “Ron”, of Pasadena TX, died peacefully on August 11, 2018 at the age of 91, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on August 16, 1926 in Dallas, TX, the 2nd of 3 sons born to Clinton Livingston Ware and Margie West Ware.

Ron grew up during drought, the Great Depression, and World War II. He narrowly missed the New London School explosion of August 18, 1937, which resulted in the deaths of all of his classmates and his teacher, by being away from school with his family on the fateful day. After moving often due to his father’s job, Ron attended Reagan High School in Houston, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Lee Baynes, in the 9th grade. They both played saxophone in the varsity band at Reagan. Upon graduation, at the age of 16, he entered University of Texas in Austin, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Ron and Dorothy were married on Sept. 5, 1945.

At the age of 18, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces Enlisted Reserve Corps and was in active service as an airplane and engine mechanic until he entered the aviation cadet program to be trained as a pilot, but the war ended before he was licensed. Ron later went on to earn his private pilot’s license and flew out of La Porte Airport. After the war, he served in the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Army National Guard.

Most of his career, Ron worked in the petro-chemical industry as a mechanical engineer. He retired with USI in Deer Park, which later became Quantum.

First and foremost, Ron was a family man, but he also loved the outdoors and was a hunter and fisherman. He was a part-time musician with the Tommy Joplin Orchestra and Buddy Brock Orchestra as a young adult and enjoyed music throughout his life. He loved to travel and took the family on numerous road trips, usually camping and boating. He built his own boats and vacation home, and was forever fixing, rescuing and living a life of service to others. He had a mischievous side and a dry wit, and his incredible mind was sharp to the very end.

Ron is preceded in death by Dorothy, his parents, and brother, Robert Ware. He is survived by 5 daughters and their families: Sandy & Don Lazenby, Linda & Royce Falknor, Sherry & Keith Luce, Julie & Keith Bower, and Peggy & Cliff Haehl, all of the greater Houston area, 14 grandchildren and 20 greatgrandchildren, brother Ray Ware of San Antonio, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 5pm to 6pm in the Chapel of Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505. Ron’s Celebration of Life will follow at 6:00pm. Followed by a Reception.