David Ware
A Celebration of the life of: Clifford Leon Ware March 19, 2017
Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Son, Brother, Uncle, and more, Clifford Ware, 86, of Tacoma, passed away in his home in the comfort and care of his wife and family January 7, 2017.
Cliff was born October 25, 1930, in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The eldest of four children of Dencil and Vernette Ware, he was very close to his three sisters, Dorothy, Rosalee, and Edith.
Throughout his life Cliff was very accepting and forgiving, and made friends easily with many who shared his interests. He enjoyed both participating in and watching sports, and his love for the outdoors and competitive sports is a legacy he passed on to his family.
Recognizing that it was difficult to make a living in West Virginia in the early 1950’s, Cliff left to seek a better future by joining the Air Force. But he never forgot his roots and kept in touch with his family regularly, returning to visit or help out whenever he could.
Two years after joining the Air Force, he switched to the Army. It was at that time, he met his first wife Mary Ann Wells while stationed in South Dakota. Together they had six children and were stationed in Georgia, Germany, and finally at Fort Lewis, Washington.
Life in the military was always difficult for families, especially during times of international conflict. In Cliff’s case, he served in the Korean and Vietnam wars including three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded several medals of commendation, including his highest achievement, the Bronze Star for meritorious service in a combat zone.
Cliff retired at the rank of Master Sergeant, having served 20 years with the Army and two years with the Air Force.
After experiencing the hardship of two divorces, Cliff met and married Margaret and became a step-father to her four children. The two were ideally suited to one another. Through the years, both had experienced adversity, but together they survived and bolstered one another with a united will. They accepted life’s challenges and moved ahead adapting and persevering through whatever came along.
In his later years, Cliff worked in many capacities from truck driver to mechanic. He enjoyed working and especially seemed to like to tinker with all things mechanical.
After finally retiring from work, he spent his time enjoying his passions of fishing at Mineral Lake and hunting in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. These were undoubtedly the most enjoyable years of his life, as he was constantly surrounded by friends and family.
Like many, Cliff confronted multiple cancers and treatments during his last years and battled through them. At the end, he expressed to several in the family that he felt that he had “a good long life.”
Cliff is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Margaret Ware; his children Janie, Sherry, David, Debra, Wendy, Doug, Duane, D’Ann, Richy, and Ernie; his 23 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved sister Dorothy, and numerous nieces and nephews.