Franklin Ware, 80, Maryville MO and formerly of Burlington, ND died suddenly on April 7, 2026 at his home in Maryville.

Franklin Charles Ware was born on October 1, 1945 in Arkoe, Missouri to Elvin and Mary Ellen (Shelton) Ware. He was raised and educated in Maryville, MO, AKA “Cubby” to family and friends, he graduated from Maryville High School in 1963. As a young adult he was employed by area farmers and at Montgomery Ward.

Franklin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1971 and served at RAF Uxbridge, England (8 years); Minot Air Force Base; Belgium and RAF Greenham Common, England (4 years) before he returned to Minot Air Force Base. He received numerous medals and commendations for his work as a missile maintenance technician prior to his honorable discharge as a tech sergeant in 1997.

Frank married Avis Parkes Stone on January 15, 1975. They made their home wherever Frank was stationed. Following his retirement, Frank was employed by the BX at the Minot Air Force Base, Alan Kurth Motors, a local Mini Mart convenience store and drove bus for Bishop Ryan High School. He retired in 2007. Avis died on July 4, 2011. Frank continued to reside in Burlington until April of 2024 when he moved to Bethany MO and then to Maryville in December of 2025. Frank returned to his childhood home in Maryville where he since had lived.

Frank was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Am-Vets and Magic City Dart League. He especially enjoyed putting models together especially in his younger years, hiking, exploring the countryside, woodworking, horseshoes, reading and was an avid steel tip dart player and horseshoe player at the VFW and Moose Lodges.

Those left to mourn Frank’s passing are his stepdaughter: Lynn DeCoster (Bob Griffin); step grandchildren: Bryce Schroeder and Branden Griffin; sisters: Phyllis and Rita; brothers: Junior, David and Mike; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friend: Sandy Farnan.

Frank was the oldest of ten children and was preceded in death by his parents, wife, stepdaughter: Julia (Douglas) Watt; sisters: Darlene, Donna, Mary Elizabeth and brother: Isaac “Ikey/Clutch”.

A memorial service was held on April 25, 2026 in Price Funeral Home – Maryville, MO.

Graveside Service with Military Honors: Summer of 2026 with his beloved wife Avis in the Veterans Section of Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot.