Gerald M. Ware
September 26, 2011
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Service Details
Gerald Melvin Ware, 88, died Monday, September 26, 2011. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, with visitation on Friday, September 30, 2011, from 5 to 7 p.m., and the funeral on Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Gerald was born on April 1, 1923 on a farm near Runnells, IA to Hazel (Keeling) and Oliver Ware. In 1942 he entered the service and was a Marine fighter pilot in the South Pacific, flying an F4U Corsair. In 1950 he was recalled to service, flying 100 missions in Korea. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and 11 Air Medals.
In late 1955, Gerald went to work for the Ruan Corporation. As their Chief Pilot for 38 years, he had the privilege of flying the first Learjet based in Iowa and met many interesting people including an ex-president, senators and pro golfers. One of his most touching experiences that he was proud to be a part of, was flying doctors around the country to pick up hearts for transplants.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and Quiet Birdmen, a national pilots’ organization. He always said, “I’ve had a good life.”
Gerald was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Willi. He is survived by his daughters, Martha (Mike) Ohrt and Janis (Doug Leonard) Ware; grandchildren, Jason (Janet) Ohrt, Timothy (Janet) Cole and Kaitlin Cole; great-grandchildren, Logan Ohrt and Marcus Moore; daughter, Sharon McLaughlin and her children, Holly, John and Martha; granddaughter, Jamie (Josh) Ickowitz and daughter, Brooklyn; sister, Margaret Prall.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Valley View Village Care Center.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
TC Crouson
10/04/2011
My heart goes out to the family of Gerald Ware. He is now flying close air support for the Marines guarding the streets of Heaven. He shall be missed by his fellow Marines. I will add his name to our TAPS page on the 323 Death Rattlers web site at http://home.inreach.com/tc/ God Bless.
Semper Fi,
TC Crouson, unofficial 323 squadron historian
Dan & Lisa Cambridge
10/02/2011
Marty & Janis,
We loved both Gary & Willi, and so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great gentleman and, few knew, a hero. As he himself said, he lived a (very) good life and I know how much he loved both of you and your children. Best to you and we are so grateful to have known and shared both of your wonderful parents.
Dan & Lisa Cambridge
Lenexa, Kansas
toni hammond
10/01/2011
Martha and Janis, I know your dad was very much loved by all who knew him. Wish I was able to be there. It was a honor to know both of your parents and the rest of your family. Willis and Gary are again united as they were meant to always be.
Love Toni
Janis Ware
09/30/2011
For those of you who might be interested, I am including a link to a YouTube video of an interview that my dad did at Camp Dodge last year about his time in the service. So many of you expressed such an interest in that tonight that I thought I would post it. Thank you to all who were able to be at the visitation this evening. It was amazing to be surrounded by so many people that cared about my dad. Love to you all...
http://youtu.be/COq2Z8kvKJM
Amanda Sparks
09/30/2011
May God provide you enough strength to face these difficult times, although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer
Sincerly,Amanda
Mary Kay and David DeBolt
09/30/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Your dad had many accomplishments and you should be very proud of him. The good memories will always be with you.
Peggy Kenoyer
09/29/2011
You don't know me, but I have only wonderful memories of Gerry as well as Willi. My name is Peggy Kenoyer, and I became aquainted with them years ago while I was a home care provider for Margaret Denkhoff. They were such caring, giving, intelligent, and fun people. They made you feel they had known you for years. Five years ago, I had the privilege to visit with both of them again when visiting my father and step-mother who then lived at Valley View. They were devoted to each other, and your dad was a role model to many as he cared for Willi. My deepest sympathy, and prayers that your faith and memories will be a great comfort in your loss.
Leslie Keely
09/29/2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. He had an amazing life.
Jessica Davenport
09/29/2011
I just want to express my sympathy. stay strong Marty and Jan your father was loved by many including me. He was so strong and took such good care of our Willi not a day went by that he wasnt down their checking on her and pulling out Della's chair for meals. Your mother and father have a special place in my heart and will be missed but i am filled with joy knowing that they are now once again reunited with our Heavenly Father.