Roll Call Tribute

Charles S. "Charlie" Ware, Jr. 

June 30, 1935 - October 8, 2024 

Charles Somerville Ware, Jr. was born on June 30, 1935 in San Antonio, Texas to Charles Somerville Ware, Sr., and Lenora Williams Ware. The Ware family remained in Texas until his father, Colonel Charles S. Ware, Sr., was appointed head of the R.O.T.C. program at McNeese State College in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Charles attended Central School and graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1953. He then followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Texas A&M University, whereupon graduation, he was commissioned as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant. Following active-duty service, Charles enrolled in L.S.U. Law School where he and his partner won the annual L.S.U. Law School Moot Court Competition. After Law School, he returned to Lake Charles, married Janet Claire Allen, and entered the practice of law. Early in his career, Charles was elected to the Lake Charles City Council where he served as president, followed by several years as City Attorney and then a career in banking.

Throughout his life, Charles recognized the importance of giving back, having been a member of various community organizations, and serving on several boards. In 1997, he was honored to serve as Captain of the Krewe of Contraband and also King of the Krewe of Mystique in 2008. Charles was a devoted member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, serving as a lector and vestry member. He and Jan were avid travelers. They also loved boating and spent a year aboard the “AnaClaire.” The couple enjoyed 62 years of marriage, celebrating life with their family and a large group of beloved life-long friends.

Left to cherish Charles’ memory are his wife, Jan Allen Ware; their two daughters, Janet Ware Meaux (William) of Lake Charles, Allison Ware Hayne (Jaimie) of San Antonio, TX; their three treasured grandchildren, Claire Hayne of Denver, CO, Roxana Hayne of New York, NY, and Sarah Hayne of Austin, TX.

The Ware family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by everyone of St. Joseph Hospice, LeeAnna’s Caregiving Service, and special thanks to Mrs. Vicky Parker and Mrs. Johnette Mitchell. Charles was very fortunate to have passed away peacefully at home following precious time with family and friends.

A Funeral Service with Holy Communion will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 715 Kirkman St. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake Street from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on the evening of Sunday, October 13, 2024. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Foundation.