Bucky Ware

Buck Lee Ware; The Man, The Myth, The Legend.

Bucky Lee Ware was born in San Bernardino CA on the Fourth of July 1942 and passed just shy of his 81st birthday on Sunday June 25, 2023 in his home in Centralia WA. Buck spent most of his childhood in the Midwest with his parents Roy and Lorene, and siblings LaVonne, Lee, Ramona and Allen. Shortly after high school graduation, Buck enlisted in the Army for the first time, married his first wife and had his first son Daniel.

After four years of service in the Army, Buck moved to California to attend college where he met the love of his life and second wife Cheryl. Buck decided to re-enlist in the Army to continue his education and training shortly after the birth of his second son Christopher. While stationed in Hawaii and Louisiana, Buck and Cheryl’s family grew, adding daughters Michelle and Erica respectively.

After another seven years of service, Buck left the Army for the last time and began his career with the WA State Dept of Transportation where he worked for the next 28 years until retiring. Other adventures sprinkled through out his lifetime included being a Bronco Buster and bull rider in the rodeo, boxer in the Army, semi-professional bowler, cowboy poet, softball coach and deli owner; all contributing to the unique story of his life and shape of his nose.

Buck was a big-hearted man, loved family, God and church, local sports teams, community and meeting new people. He was a devoted Christian who not only studied but lived by the teachings of Jesus -to live with love and acceptance in his heart, avoid passing judgement on others and instead help your fellow man whenever possible. Buck started a food bank in Lacey that is still flourishing and volunteered often at the Mission after moving to Centralia. He was known to carry around sack lunches with him on his daily outings in case he came across someone in need of a PBnJ. His favorite pastime of all however was to spend time with loved ones and cherished the chaos of family gatherings. He was well known for teasing the grandkids, stealing food off plates, grabbing knees, sneaking dogs food under the table and telling ‘mostly true’ stories. Buck was a well-loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Buck was proceeded in death by his parents Roy and Lorene Ware; his sisters Ramona and LaVonne and his baby brother Allen.

Buck is survived by his wife of “55 years, 52 of it legally” as he loved to boast, Cheryl; sons: Daniel Jarvis and wife Sandy, Christopher Crow and wife Jennifer Spaid; daughters: Michelle Lucero and Erica Ware; grandchildren: Kristin, Lauren, Anthony, Nicky, Jonathan, Ethan, Nicolas and Winnie; six great-grandchildren; brother Lee, in-laws Gail, Mary and Denny; as well as multiple nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that he loved as family.

There isn’t a person who ever got to know Buck that didn’t love him. And as he leaves a big hole in the lives of his family, friends, church and community members; the memory of his love and kindness will forever fill our hearts.

Services for Buck will be at Hope Community Church, 11 am, July 15, 2023.

A visitation for Bucky will be held Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S Gold, Centralia, Washington 98501.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sticklinsfuneralchapel.com for the Ware family.