Lesly "Les" Franklin Ware Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Father, Lesly Franklin Ware, Jr. who answered Gods calling at the age of 91, on June 21, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments and was able to acknowledge that love while listening to polka music. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing each moment spent with family and friends. He was loved by many.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove, TX. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Copperas Cove City Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 1, 2024 at Sneed Carnley Funeral Chapel in Copperas Cove. There will be a Rosary following the visitation at 6:30 at the Funeral Home. 

Les was a proud graduate of Athol High School where he played on the basketball team. At the young age of 17, he joined the National Guard marking the start of a lifelong dedication of service of his country. His career began at the Greenfield Tap and Die Corp. It was during this time that he met his beloved Elizabeth Ann Horta at a dance in 1953. They were married on September 4, 1954, starting a life together, raising 6 children, traveling the world, and celebrating 66 years of marriage. Les entered the National Guard in 1950. He went on active duty in 1961 at Ft. Devons, Massachusetts, followed by a tour of duty at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, where he became an aviator. He served two tours in Vietnam, including service in the Tet Offensive. He flew the Caribou and the Cobra. Other tours of duty took him as a commander to Ft. Davis, Panama, Camp Zama, Japan and Ft. Hood, Texas. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 31 years of distinguished military service. His commendations included: the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Numerals 15, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal W/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal W/1 Silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/10 Year Device, Master Army Aviator Badge, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry W/Palm. Les served as a Test Command Officer for the civil service at West Ft. Hood, Texas at the U.S. Army Operations Test Command for an additional 20 years retiring at age 70. During his military service of 51 plus years he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and a Master’s Degree at American Technological University.

Les was known for his kind heart, adventurous spirit, and his love of life. He brought joy to many as he dressed up for the holidays, played Santa Claus for his family and shared his love of music by playing his harmonica up to the age of 91. His nickname was Mr. Bojangles. He was a character, charming everyone with his humor and generosity.

Les and Bette had a love for travel; visiting countries such as India, Wales, the U.K., Central America, Colombia, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as, most of the United States. He enjoyed technology, woodworking, the beach, camping in his motorhome at the lake, flying model airplanes, golfing, cribbage, gambling, and bingo. He had his own flight simulator. He was Amazons number one customer always excited to receive new items. 

Les served his community on the Crime Stoppers of Copperas Cove and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He also was a golf marshal at the Copperas Cove Golf Course and umpired for the Officials Association in Cove.

He is survived by his sisters: Martha Patterson and Gloria Morris. His children: LuAnn Patrick, Michelle MacDonald (Ronny Wade Wells), Christine Lewis (William), Michael Ware, Christopher Ware (Dana). His grandchildren: Cody Patrick (Simreet), Kimberly Aranda (Ben), Chance Ware, William MacDonald, John MacDonald (Katherine), Jeffery MacDonald (Ariana), Leslee Johnson (Jason), Brandon Ware (Gabby), Joshua Thomas-Anthony Ware, Jace Ware, Jett Ware, Shelby Ware (Datron). His great grandchildren: Nathaniel, Daniella and Alexander Aranda, Emma and Amme MacDonald, Angel, Bryson and Elizabeth MacDonald, Everlee and Colby MacDonald, Kaili Brandenburg (Devin), Trevor Johnson, Michael Colton and Sophia Ware, Karter Ware and Eli Walker. 

He is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth Horta Ware, a son Anthony Lesly Ware, son in law Michael Patrick, his parents Lesly Franklin Ware, Sr. and Lillian Comerford, and a sister Pricilla Gamache.

Pall bearers include Cody Patrick, Chance Ware, Billy MacDonald, John MacDonald, Jeff MacDonald, Brandon Ware, JT Ware, Jace Ware, Jett Ware. Honorary pallbearers include, Leslee Johnson, Kimberly Aranda, and Shelby Ware.

 Les was most proud of his family and his military service to his country. He loved being an aviator and flying. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and dedication to his family and country. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.