Jerry Wayne Ware

Jerry Wayne Ware, 73, of Merkel, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jerry was born on August 31, 1952, in Spur, Texas, to Ira Freddie Ware and Billie Ware. He attended Plains High School, where he graduated before proudly joining the United States Navy. Jerry dedicated 20 years of service to his country, serving during both the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War. He loved his life in the military and took great pride in serving his nation before retiring from the Navy.

On January 4, 1980, Jerry married the love of his life, Ann Ware. Together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and countless memories.

Following his military retirement, Jerry worked for Fresenius as a Biomedical Technician for seven years. He was known as a hardworking and dedicated man who approached every task with determination and integrity.

One of Jerry’s greatest passions was spending time in his garage working on his Ford Mustang race cars. He built many of them from the ground up and enjoyed racing whenever he had the opportunity. His craftsmanship, patience, and love for the sport brought him great joy throughout his life.

Above all else, Jerry cherished his family. He will be remembered for his unwavering love for his wife, children, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose hard work and dedication provided a strong foundation for those he loved. Despite every hardship he faced, Jerry continued to fight with courage, strength, and perseverance.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Billie Ware.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Ware of Merkel, Texas; daughter, Cassandra Nance and husband John of Trent, Texas; son, Jason Ware and wife Adrianne of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; and daughter, Celina Jackson and husband Jason of Corpus Christi, Texas.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Jesse Ware and wife Debi, Rita Tilley, Lynda Dougles, David Ware and wife Deb, Michael Ware and wife Kathy, Dee Ware, and Gary Ware and wife Kathy.

Jerry leaves behind five grandchildren: Christopher Cribb, Jeffrey Cribb, Grayden Ware, Jordon Roberts, and Joseph Roberts; and three great-grandchildren: Matthew Cribb, Isabella “Izzy” Cribb, and Jordyn Roberts.

Visitation will be held on June 23rd at Starbuck Funeral Home in Merkel, Texas, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, friends, and loved ones who supported Jerry throughout his health journey. Your kindness, prayers, and compassion will never be forgotten.

Jerry’s legacy of service, hard work, courage, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. 

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