Harold Dean Ware, born on March 1, 1930, in Wakenda, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Kansas, at the age of 94.

The son of James E. Ware and Mollie White, Harold lived a life marked by faith, service, and dedication to his family and community. From 1952 to 1954, he served his country in the U.S. Army as a cook. After completing his military service, Harold settled in Kansas City, Kansas, where he worked as a carpenter and cement finisher for the Kansas City Power & Light Company from 1954 until his retirement in 1992.

On January 27, 1951, Harold married Donna Lee Walden. Together they shared over five decades of marriage filled with love and devotion until her passing in 2005. In 2006, Harold found companionship once more when he married Verna Grinlinton. They spent their later years together in Richmond, Missouri, although his recent illness led him back to Kansas City, KS, for his continued health care.

Harold's unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life. A longtime member of Open Door Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS, he accepted the Lord as his Savior and served as a deacon and Sunday school bus driver. After retiring to Lexington, Missouri, he joined Henrietta First Baptist Church, where he continued his service as a deacon, helped maintain the church grounds, and participated in mission trips. During the past year, Harold became a member of Faithway Church in neighboring Basehor, Kansas.

Throughout his life, Harold found joy in simple yet meaningful pursuits such as fishing, woodworking, and gardening. He also dedicated time to mentoring youth as a troop leader for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts while raising his children. Known for his iconic laugh that could brighten any room and bring joy to those around him, Harold left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Harold was preceded in death by his first wife Donna; his parents; siblings Forrest Ware, Willa Mae Lusby, and Windel Ware;  his oldest child, Harold Leroy Ware; and a grandson, Brett Ware.   He is survived by his wife Verna of Richmond; three children: Dennis Ware (Shawna) of Kansas City, Kansas; Diana Carr (Bill) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and Cheryl Cramer (Doug) of Kansas City, Kansas; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other loved ones.

Services will be held at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, Missouri, on Saturday, February 8, 2025. A wake will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by services at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Evergreen Cemetery in DeWitt, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faithway Church (11612 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66109) or Harbor Hospice (7223 W. 95th St., Suite 230, Overland Park, KS 66212). May Harold's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and inspire others to live with faith and kindness.  Please remember to share your memories of Harold with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.