Calvin Franklin Ware affectionally known as “Boss Man” & “Mr. C” was born December 9, 1940 in Emmett Arkansas to Perry and Bennie Ware. He departed this life at the age of 80 years old on January 13, 2021 at Christus Saint Michael Hospital, Texarkana, Texas.
Calvin graduated from Yerger High School in Hope, Arkansas in 1959. Following high school, he began working at Delaney Grocery Store. In January 1966, he was drafted into the United States Marine Corp where he served in the Vietnam War. During his tenor in the USMC, he was awarded a National Defense Service Metal, Vietnamese service medal, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal and Good conduct medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1968. Upon returning to Hope, Arkansas from the USMC, he succeeded his father as Wastewater Superintendent for the City of Hope as well as returning to Delany’s Grocery Store on weekends. He continued to work on weekend for Delaney Grocery Store until its closing. At that time, he began working on the weekends at Barry’s Grocery Store for a short time. In July 1999, after 31 years of employment he retired from the City of Hope as Wastewater Superintendent. Six months later in the year 2000, he came out of retirement and returned to the Wastewater department as Vice- Superintendent until 2015. His total tenure for the City of Hope was 46 years. Up until his hospitalization he continued to do the job that he loved and was very skilled in by maintaining the water system in Springhill, Arkansas.
Calvin was an avid dominoes player. Whether it was playing with friends or playing in tournaments it was one his favorite past times. He had a heart of gold and a big heart for everyone. If there was ANYTHING, he could do for anyone he would do it without a second thought. To know him was to love him. He faithfully attended Haynes Chapel Missionary Baptist Church until the COVID-19 affected in person church attendance. If you called him on Sunday morning and invited him to attend church he would nicely decline and gladly say “Nah, I’m going to Haynes “.
He was preceded in death by his parents Perry and Bennie Ware and brother William Ware.
He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters Tamiko Phillips, Carolyn Ware Scott (Gerald), Christie Ware Jones (Jude) all of Hope, Arkansas. Five sons Henry M. Phillips Sr. of Clarksville, Indiana, Gerald Phillips, Rodney Phillips of Hope Arkansas. Eric Ware (Wanda) of Dallas, Texas, Dennis Ware (Sophia) of Burlington Kentucky. One sister, Dorothy Wesley of Hope, Arkansas. Granddaughters Rhyan Berry of Orlando Florida and a special granddaughter, Je’Lisa Phillips of Hope, Arkansas. 10 grandsons, 5 great grandchildren. A dear friend, confidant and someone he considered as a fourth daughter, Kimberly Holston of Hope, Arkansas. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be 12-5pm, wake 5-6pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, January 23 at Haynes Chapel Baptist Church, Hope, Arkansas. Burial will be at Snell Cemetery in Emmet. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.