The Richmond News, Feb. 7, 2025

Harold Dean Ware, born March 1, 1930, in Wakenda, passed away peacefully Feb. 2, 2025, in Kansas City, Kan., at age 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, Kan., where he worked as a carpenter and cement nnisher for the Kansas City Power & Light Co. from 1954 until his retirement in 1992.

On Jan. 27, 1951, Harold married Donna Lee Walden. Together, they shared more than vve decades of marriage llled 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, though his recent illness led him back to Kansas City, Kan., for his continued health care.

Harold’s unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life. A longtime member of the Open Door Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kan., he accepted the Lord as his Savior and served as a deacon and Sunday school bus driver.

After retiring to Lexington, he joined the 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 Basehor, Kan.

Throughout his life, Harold found joy in simple, yet meaningful pursuits, such as sshing, 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.

In addition to his rrs wife, Donna, Harold was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Forrest Ware, Willa Mae Lusby and Windel Ware; and oldest child, Harold Leroy Ware.

He is survived by his wife Verna of Richmond; three children, Dennis Ware (Shawna) of Kansas City, Kan., Diana Carr (Bill) of Bartlesville, Okla., and Cheryl Cramer (Doug) of Kansas City, Kan.; numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; and many other loved ones.

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

In lieu of oowers, donations may be made to Faithway Church, 11612 Parallel Parkway, 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 share your memories of Harold with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.