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’.
I was a cheerleader when Coach was at Beggs. He was always gracious with us and his players were very respectful of him and us. I always ducked in hallway when I saw him because he intimidated me he was so strong, but he was not that way at all. I think I just respected him as a coach and teacher. He was as good as gold to us. He put us cheerleaders in a team picture with the boys when we went to state. Took us along always. We were always first on and first off the bus. He taught respect to his players and us. Great man, great coach. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for sharing your memories of him. I’m sure they made him smile, as they did us.
He was my basketball coach at Lawton High School when I started my sophomore year in 1981. It took me about a week of practice to realize how tough he was but in a loving way. He cared so much for us but expected effort and hard work. Those lessons have lasted a lifetime for me. I am the AD and athletic trainer at LHS (my 33 rd year) and I still tell Coach Ware stories. Coach Ware and my Dad became close friends during his tenure here at LHS and they stayed in touch for several years after him leaving LHS. I ALWAYS knew what he expected from me as a player and I always knew he’d put his arm around you after practice and treat me and the rest of the team with respect and love. Coach you will be missed by me and will always have a special place in my heart for the lessons you taught me.
Thank you, David. He loved you guys.
Bob and I were in the hospital together in Altus, Oklahoma as I was born two days after Bob was. Bob and I went through twelve years of school together at Southside. We were lifelong friends even though education and work took us to different places. I have many wonderful memories of my friend, classmate, and teammate Bob Ware. I will never forget him, and will always respect him.
Thank you, Eddie. We appreciate your kind words.
Coach Ware was one of a kind! I played basketball for him at Noble HS and he took us all the way to the state tournament my Junior and Senior year. He coached with intensity and I still remember that “flex” offense and that fierce 1-on-1 defense that we played. Teams thought we were crazy allowing them to have the baseline, but then came the inescapable trap! My sister and brothers all played for him and also greatly admired him as a coach, teacher, and mentor that taught us so many life lessons. My family also called him a family “friend” and we loved him. Coach Ware “stories” have been a topic of conversation over the years. Thank you, Coach Ware, for the many fond memories! – The “Tracy” family
I played for Coach Ware at Noble High School. The stories that I remember most are related to Coach’s intensity. When he set his mind to something, he did it. I remember watching him run laps around the court during practice getting his cardio time. I remember playing a zone and man defense during the same possession because it was what we needed to do to win. I remember the day he showed me how to take a charge! His intensity, combined with my periodic habit of goofing off, made my time as a Noble Bear great! Coach Ware and his family invested a lot of themselves into me, all the players, and the program. I appreciate them for that. I’m very sorry for your loss.