OSAWATOMIE — David E. ‘Tex’ Ware, age 84, of Osawatomie, Kan., died Friday April 24, 2026 at North Point in Paola.

David was the first born child of Donald E. and Lady Sue (Jackson) Ware on Sept. 25, 1941 in Aurora, Mo. He grew up in Hoisington and Great Bend, Kan. Graduating with the Great Bend High School class of 1959.

After graduation he enlisted into the United States Air Force, stationed in Texas. Upon returning to Great Bend, he worked at different jobs until he finally settled on the railroad. He worked on maintenance of way for the Missouri- Pacific. He was transferred to Osawatomie in 1984 and finished his career with the Union Pacific railroad.

David was an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Osawatomie and in years past was active in the Shriners. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His hobbies include golf, reading and watching movies.

He and Doris Tournear married and raised one son. David leaves his wife of 48 years; son Jonathan Ware of Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren, Caitlin Ware, Gardner, Kan., Spencer Ware of Overland Park, Kan. and Seth Ware of Overland Park, Kan.; brother, Karl (Sue) Ware of Great Bend, Kan.; sister, Lady Ann Ware of Wichita, Kan. Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Ronald Ware and Harold Ware and sister Mary Roach.

There will be no services. Contributions in David’s name may be made to Osawatomie Presbyterian Church send c/o Eddy Birchard Funeral Home P.O. Box 430, Osawatomie, KS 66064.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 30, 2026