Leigh Erdman Ware

Ware, Leigh Erdman, 92, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior October 31, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, after a brief illness. He was born October 11, 1932, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Harold and Winifred (Winnie) Ware. The family moved to Westwood, New Jersey in 1935. He graduated from Westwood High School, worked a year as a runner for the stock market and delivering mail and then earned his BS Degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University in 1955.

In 1956, he was drafted into the Army, 1st Cavalry Division, serving two years in Tokyo, Japan, and then four years in the reserves. He married Hiedeko Nagase in Tokyo and, upon returning to New Jersey, went to work for General Motors. In 1971, they took a vacation to Florida and decided they loved the warmer weather and he accepted a job running computer operations for Gulf Life Insurance Company. He and Hiedeko adopted a son, Michael L. Ware, in 1974. After working 21 years at Gulf Life, the company was sold and he worked for Computer Power and Alltell. He and Hiedeko divorced in 1980.

After attending several Singles Parties, he met his soulmate and life partner, Pat Roebig McGovern in 1981 and they were married in 1982. Leigh retired from Alltell in 1998. He is survived by Pattie, his wife of 42 years, his stepsons: Dave (Lisa) McGovern, Dan (Melanie) McGovern, Ken (Debbie) McGovern, Jim (Sheila) McGovern and Michael (Staci) McGovern. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Garland, Lauren (Scott), Steven (Kelsey), Austin, Brandon, Matthew, Jonathan, Michaela and Haley. In addition, his great-grandchildren are: Cayden, Grant, Ashton, Barrett, Gianna and Baylor. He is also survived by his brother, Dave (Lynne) Ware and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Winnie Ware, his first wife, Hiedeko, and his son, Michael, who died in March 2024.

He was a kind and gentle man who loved to help others. He became Streetlight Chairman for 30 years for Fairways Forest, an active member of the 1st Calvary Assn., long time volunteer for the Gator Bowl Assn., Jaguars Champion Club, PGA Golf Tournament, counter for Resurrection Catholic Church and made calls for St. Vincent DePaul.

His services will be as follows: Visitation 10:00 am, Funeral at 11:00 am and Reception following in the church hall at Resurrection Catholic Church on Saturday, November 16th. Interment will be Monday, November 18th, at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, Downs Syndrome Assn. or Resurrection Catholic Church. Corey Kerlin Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements. Please sign the Guestbook @Jacksonville.com.