Clarence Lee Ware

We are heartbroken to announce that Clarence Lee Ware, born May 21, 1931, to parents Herbert and Leslie (McMullins) Ware, passed away July 31, 2024, Wilmington, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Waynesburg High School, Kentucky, class of 1950.
Clarence wed his high school sweetheart, Velma Collins Ware, January 4, 1951, and together they raised 3 children, Michael, Kenneth, and Kathy. He became an Electrician in 1954, and later he furthered his career as an Electrical Contractor, worked with his sons and Brother-in-Law, Jim Estes, on many jobs and even had an electrical contracting business working with his sons.
He became a Mason in May 1972.
His children would be the first to tell you how lucky they were to have him as a father. Their childhood was filled with unconditional love, vacations in Florida, family weekends and holidays at their grandparents' house with all their cousins, aunts and uncles or on the lake camping, swimming and skiing. He loved hunting, fishing and was an avid league bowler. Clarence was also known for cooking his special Sunday morning breakfast for his family.
As their children grew, Clarence and Velma filled their time by traveling around from state-to-state square dancing. He enjoyed traveling in groups outside the United States and especially loved Hawaii. When Clarence retired, at the age of 65, he moved his wife to Sarasota, Florida and became an active member of their community and remained close to family. He loved playing cards, particularly with his in-laws, which were filled with laughter and friendly banter. He had deep affection for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching them play, brought him immense pleasure. He was even fortunate enough, that at the age of 93, he held his great-great grandchild, Evie May, ensuring his legacy will continue.
Clarence and Velma moved to North Carolina in 2017 to be close to their daughter and son-in-law Ken who very lovingly cared for them. Clarence deeply loved his wife so intensely that even after she passed, on August 2, 2021. He carried a picture of her and talked to her every night before he put his head on the pillow. He missed her so. If he were here today, he would say, do not be sad but be happy for Velma and I are together again.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife, Velma Collins Ware. His memory will remain in the hearts of his surviving family: his brother; Ronald (Penny) Ware; his children; Mike (Mary) Ware, Ken (Libby) Ware, and Kathy (Ken) Brown. His grandchildren: Matt Ware, Lee Ware, Clay Ware, Drew Brown, Grant Ware, Lauren Carper, Chelsey Yaeger, Shelby Darby and 14 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild as well as many brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many friends and his caregiver, Dianne, who cared so tenderly for him during his last year.
A Public Visitation will be held 1-2PM Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, 545 KY Hwy 328 West, Waynesburg KY 40484. A Public Funeral Service will begin at 2:00PM Saturday, at the funeral home. Bishop Lee Ware & Bro. Barry Vaught will officiate the service. The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on Clarence's memorial page of the funeral home's website.
Burial will follow in Double Springs Cemetery. PALLBEARERS: Matthew Ware, Lee Ware, Clay Ware, Grant Ware, Andrew Brown, and Michael Yeager. All expressions of sympathy, including flowers or cards are welcome. Donations to the Lower Cape Fear Life Center, 1406 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401 (910)762-9422, are equally welcome.
Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, is entrusted with Clarence's arrangements. Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes,com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Clarence Lee Ware, please visit our floral store.