Bobby "Bob" Dale Ware
1946 – 2024
Bob D. Ware , age 77, of Edmond passed away on February 21, 2024 at home surrounded by family and friends. He fought a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and truly exemplified the power of sheer will in the face of adversity. As his struggles and challenges intensified, so did his determination to never, ever give up.
Bob was born on October 18, 1946 in Olustee, Oklahoma to Lit and Dorothy Ware. He grew up in the small town of Hess and attended Southside High School, graduating in 1964. He was an exceptional student and baseball player and was voted Best All Around by his classmates.
Bob was the first in his family to attend college and went on to earn a teaching degree and begin a 40 year career in education. He loved teaching math, but coaching was Bob's passion and he poured his heart into his athletes, whether on the court or on the field. He led numerous teams to play-off glory, but the highlight of his career was winning the gold ball in 1977 with his Beggs Demons. After taking home the state title, Bob was named the Coach of the Year by The Tulsa World . His players became like family to him, and he worked tirelessly to help them each succeed, not only in sports, but in life.
In 1969, Bob married the love of his life, Gwen (Simpson) Ware and the two began a marriage that spanned over 54 years. His love for her was immeasurable and his devotion unwavering. The family they created was, in his own words, his greatest accomplishment, and he loved to tell anyone who would listen about his grandchildren and great grandchild. Though coaching was his passion, his family was his conviction and his heart. His love for them was only matched by theirs for him. He will forever be our coach, grandpa, father, 'ole man', and friend.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Gwen; daughters Stephanie West and husband Phillip of Edmond and Stacy May and husband Jason of Argyle, TX; grandchildren Ryley West and wife Chyanne of Edmond; Marleigh West of Weatherford; Trey Dooley and Zack Dooley, both of Argyle, TX; great grandson Ford West of Edmond; sisters Scherry Hansen of Moore and Donna Melvin of New York, as well as a large extended family.
Memorial service to be held at 2pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond.
We will be live streaming this service. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on 'Videos', then 'Live Streams'.