Richard Leon Ware, 87, of Bovina transitioned to Heaven on Monday, December 26, 2022 after winning his battle over ALS. Viewing will be held Thursday, December 29, 2022  from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with family visitation from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY with Celebration of Life Services scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Bovina Methodist Church with Pastor David Brown, officiating. Burial following in the Bovina Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.

He was born in Clovis, New Mexico on March 20, 1935 to Earl and Jerry Ware. He graduated from Bovina High School in 1954. He was a celebrated, but humble athlete who had his football jersey retired. He married a girl who went to the rival school of Farwell, Shirley Joyce Smith in August 1954. They moved to Lubbock where he attended Texas Tech University for one year. Their oldest son Mike was born there.

Leon and Shirley moved back to Bovina to do what he really loved - farming. He continued being a farmer for almost 70 years, retiring in 2021.

Leon loved to read maps and take his family on trips. He always knew the best places to eat, too. He loved to take photos and shoot home movies, which are family treasures now. He taught  his children and several of his grandchildren how to drive on the dirt roads at the farm. Leon taught his kids, their friends, and his grandkids how to water ski with a lot of patience. His family remembers his many wise sayings like "days are for working, nights are for sleeping," "ain't no hill for a climber," "I'd stretch a mile, but I'd have to walk back," "the only way you don't make a mistake is stay at home and do nothing," and "you can't get nothing done with your hands in your pocket."

Leon had a gift of making those who were around him feel important and special.  His optimistic attitude and his love for Jesus were evident in how he treated others. If you asked him what his treasure was, he would say it was his grandchildren.

Leon is survived by his wife of 68 years, Shirley, of Bovina, and his brothers Jimmy and wife Dorothy of Texarkana and Tom and wife Sandra of Bovina, by three children, son Mike and wife Dana; daughter Connie Martinez and husband Juan; and daughter Carol Guthrie and husband Garry, by 9 grandchildren: Matthew Ware and Rachel; Luke Ware and Alex; Samuel Martinez and Tiffany; Rebecca Martinez; Shirley Ann Martinez; Caitlin Guthrie; Sarah Guthrie; Wayne Guthrie; Tanner Guthrie; and 9 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Jamie Saldana and Pat Holland for their loving care after Leon's diagnosis.

You may send blessings to the family and sign the online guest book at: hansardfamily.com