Herbert Earl Ware IIIHerbert “Herb” Earl Ware III, devoted father, husband, grandfather and generous friend to all he met, passed away on April 17, 2016 at the age of 54 at his home in Midland, Texas, surrounded by his adoring family.Born June 13, 1961 in Fort Worth, Texas to Carlene Traub Ware and Herbert Earl Ware, junior, Herb was the second of four children. At an early age his family relocated to Midland, Texas where he went on to attend Lee High School and graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in geology. After graduation, Herb followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing geology and forging a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry. Herb was co-owner and co-founder of Patriot Resources Inc. and Patriot Resources Partners, where he managed the geological assets in the Permian Basin. He was known for his sound business practices and well respected in the business community. Herb is best remembered for being a kind and compassionate employer, a team player, and an excellent oil finder, just like his father.Herb cared deeply for the Midland community and abundantly served it all the days of his life. He served as President of the Petroleum Club of Midland and sat on the Board of Trustees for Midland Memorial Hospital. Herb had a deep love for the Lord and was known for the time he spent early in the mornings reading his Bible. He served as an Elder at First Presbyterian of Midland and sponsored various youth programs and attended countless youth ski trips, Mystery Rambles and mission trips to Juarez, Mexico through the church. He had a passion for being involved in his children’s activities, including coaching various sporting teams.An avid outdoorsman, Herb loved hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, hunting, fishing and golfing. His passion for fishing, specifically fly fishing, was forged by annual float trips to the Smith River in Montana with his father, and later with his son, son-in-law and close friends. Many of Herb’s best memories lie on the Smith River. Herb also treasured time spent at his family’s ranch, Camp Colorado in Coleman, Texas, where he spent countless hours hunting, fishing and arrowhead searching with his family and best buddies. Herb could never pass up an offer to hit the golf course. He enjoyed golfing all over the country and worked hard honing his skills in anticipation for the BSI, a golf tournament Herb and his golfing buddies played each year.Herb’s greatest life achievement was raising his two children along with their mother Emily Chalfant Ware. Later in life, Herb was particularly proud of his new role as grandfather, “Popi” to his seventeen-month-old grandson and felt blessed to have a granddaughter, Lura Margaret Hudson, on the way this summer. Herb’s smile, laugh and love for life was contagious and many of his friends remember him best for his loyal companionship, kind heart, generous spirit and zest for life. He made friends everywhere he went and was blessed to have dear friendships spanning generations.His father, Herbert Earl Ware, junior, and mother, Carlene Traub Ware, preceded him in death. Herb is survived by his wife Lezlye Sherman Ware, who adored him and was by his side caring for him daily; his daughter, Alicia Ware Hudson and her husband, Seth; his son, Wesley Michael Ware and his wife Jenny; his precious grandson, Ware Douglas Hudson; his sisters Alison Ware Smith and her husband Brett, Nancy Ware Aubin and her husband Drew; his brother Carl Warren Ware and his wife Melissa; numerous nieces and nephews and two stepchildren.Serving as honorary pallbearers are Brian Allen, Kevin O’Neil Butler, Zachary Hyle Doss, Jacques Hyatt, Ron Ingram, Royce Wayne Mitchell, Richard Ross Montgomery, Craig Moulton, Albert Sherman, Paul Edmond Speight, Benjamin Alfred Strickling III, Michael Neilon Timmons, John Truitt, Kenneth Alan VanHoozer and Dale Wesley.The family is forever grateful for the doctors and nurses at MD Anderson, who provided Herb with their expertise, care and devotion, as well as the compassion and support provided by Hospice of Midland.The memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas Avenue, with Dr. Steve Schorr officiating.In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Herbert Earl Ware III may be directed to MD Anderson, https://gifts.mdanderson.org; or Hospice Midland, 911 West Texas Avenue, Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
