Calvin Orrin Ware

Calvin Orrin Ware, 94, formerly of Blooming Valley and a resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community died there, Thursday, April 4, 2019.

He was born in Jackson Twp., Venango Co., PA June 22, 1924 a son of Clifton M. and Daisy A. McClelland Ware.  He married Bernita L. Armstrong September 20, 1947 and she preceded him in death February 13, 2016.

He was a 1942 graduate of Cochranton High School and was a veteran of World War II serving in the US Army Air Corps in the Asia-Pacific Theater flying the “Hump” as a flight radio operator.  He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and three Bronze Stars.  He was the first 18 year old drafted for World War II in Venango Co.  He worked at Channellock Inc. for 26+ years retiring as a supervisor in 1985.  He was also an Erie Insurance Agent for 31 years retiring in 1989.

He was a member of Blooming Valley United Methodist Church and was Sunday School Secretary for many years.  He was a Blooming Valley Councilman for 20 years and a former member of the Blooming Valley Volunteer Fire Dept.  He was also a member of Crawford Masonic Lodge #234.  He enjoyed hunting and traveling.

He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Sheets and her husband Daryl of Meadville and Ronda Martin and her husband James of Lincolnton, NC; a son, Dr. Lonny Ware and his wife Dorothy of Cochranton; six grandchildren, Erin Sheets and her husband Ahmed Heikal, Marla Sheets, Kara Albrecht and her husband Michael, Ryan Martin and his wife Allison, Monica Stitzel and her husband Clayton, and Kristin Whitaker and her husband Mark; eight great-grandchildren, Colin and Spencer Albrecht, Maya and Chase Stitzel, Finn and Lydia Martin and Dylan and Brody Whitaker and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Velma Finfinger and twin sisters, Vada Willis and Vadna Ware.

Calling hours will be Saturday, April 13th from 1-2:45 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, Inc., 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.  The Masonic Service will follow at 2:45 p.m. and the funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Philip Torre, officiating.  Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post #2006.

Entombment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests memorials be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W, 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidfuneralhome.net