Kenneth "Ken" Eugene Wares, Sr., lifelong Okmulgee area resident, passed away Tuesday morning, November 4, 2003 at his home. He was 69 years of age. He was born June 24, 1934 in Okmulgee to the late Joseph Franklin and Martha Viola (Nichols) Wares. He graduated from Preston High School in 1952. He married Ann Dailey on May 2, 1959 in Okemah. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He began a lifelong career with the Okmulgee Fire Department in 1962 and was appointed Fire Marshall in 1977 where he remained until his retirement in 1991. He was instrumental in fire prevention programs, working with the area schools. Ken was a member of the National Firefighters Association, Oklahoma Fire Chiefs Association, and the Oklahoma State Firefighter’s Association, and an outstanding softball pitcher, playing in the Air Force and later traveling with several teams. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Franke and George Wares, and mother and father-in-law, James and Ruth Dailey.

Survivors include his wife, Ann, of the home, a daughter, Kathy Wares and husband Jim Ogden of Okemah, two sons, Kenneth Wares, Jr. and wife Wanda of Morris and James Wares and wife Michele of Morris and seven grandchildren, Corey Beasley of Okmulgee, James Wares, Emily Wares, Joshua Wares, Jacob Wares, Maci Wares, and Blake Wares, all of Morris.

A graveside service will be held 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 7, 2003 at Okmulgee Cemetery with Reverend Willis Baldridge officiating. Casketbearers will be Ernest Ledbetter, Charles Cruce, Terry Boudeneaut, Bobby Hardridge, Corey Beasley, and Chris Wise. Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Post 1189 of Okmulgee and VFW Post 539 of Henryetta. The Okmulgee Fire Department will serve as honorary casketbearers. Friends may visit the funeral home from 9-8 PM Thursday. Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee.