Obituaries

He entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant in 1950; graduated from the Air Force Command & Staff College in 1967; and advanced to Colonel (0-6) in 1969. He retired from the Air Force in 1975. He was a highly decorated officer, being awarded both the Legion of Merit, and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, with two Oak leaf Clusters. Throughout his career, he held key leadership assignments supporting the Gemini and Midas space programs, led the construction of King Abdul-Aziz Airbase in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, served within Deputy Chief of JUSMAG operations in Bangkok, Thailand, and served in the Strategic Air Command. 

He most enjoyed his stint in Saudi Arabia, where alcohol was illegal, but poured freely in officers' homes. Joe had a collection of antique pottery shards he discovered during his time in the desert.

Joe was always interested in current foreign affairs and was an active member of the AFIO (Association of Former Intelligence Officers). He also met regularly with a foreign affairs discussion group called the "Lunch Bunch."

Joe took an Evelyn Wood speed reading course and learned to read entire books in one day. He was an avid reader and a member of Mensa. He was also devoted to researching the genealogy of his family. He is descended from Sir Francis Wyatt, the first royal governor of Virginia. Joe displayed copies of portraits of Sir Francis, Sir Francis's father George Wyatt, and other ancestors on his study walls.

He obtained a B.S. degree from the Univ. of Houston in 1957, a M.S. degree in Public Administration from UCLA in 1962, and a M.S. degree from George Washington University in 1967. He also completed doctoral studies at the University of Texas and was ABD (all but dissertation) in Political Science. He graduated from both the Air Command and Staff College and Air Force Institute of Technology. He was in Marquis Who's Who as both a senior military officer and as a Public Administrator. He served as a Professor of Public Administration at San Antonio College. Joe was also a Fellow of the Mosher Institute for Defense Studies. 

Joe took pride in his roles in the Texas Society Sons of the American Revolution, serving as President for a time. During his time in the role of District Vice President, he was awarded the Texas SAR Society's highest award – the Patriot's medal. He also served as "Aide de Camp" to SAR President General, Judge Ed Butler. When the Duke of Mecklenburg visited San Antonio, Joe and Nita were distinguished guests at the official reception. Joe was also a charter officer of the SAR Mexico Society and made several trips to Puerto Vallarta and Ajijic, Mexico.

At various times, Joe served as the Texas President of The Society of the War of 1812, the Governor of the Texas Society of Colonial Wars, Deputy Governor General of the General Society of Colonial Wars, and as Historian of the Huguenot Society of Texas. He was also an active member of both the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. 

He married Betty Jean Hall, April 2, 1954, and they had two children, Mark Flynn and Gail Renee. He was predeceased by Betty in June 1994, by his brother James Robert Ware in 2013, and by Gail in 2018.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Juanita Ware whom he married on May 2, 1998, as well as his son Mark (Margarita) Ware, stepdaughters Cindy (J.R.) Hunter and Sally Schwarze, grandsons William "B.J." Ware and Brandon Ware.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home North, 910 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio, TX 78232. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a military honors service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Texas SAR 4. Mail to Greg Surovic, Chapter Treasurer 7619 Susan Elaine Street, San Antonio, Texas 78240.