Keith Ware

Keith Nelson Ware, 92, of Orangeville died on Saturday, May 11, 2019, from causes incident to age. He was born November 6, 1926 in Mutual, Utah to Samuel Guy and Orlinda Nelson Ware. Keith was raised in Orangeville and, after college and 4 years in the Navy, spent the rest of his life there. He married Diane Thomas from Lawrence on March 24, 1947 in Manti. Diane died on May 3, 2016. They had been married for 69 years. Keith graduated from Central High School in Castle Dale. He served in the Navy during WWII, enlisting at the age of 17. He was stationed on the island of Okinawa near Japan during the war. Keith then went to Utah State University on the GI Bill, graduating with a degree in engineering in 1951. He was among the first organizers of telephone service in Emery County and served as general manager of The Emery County Farmers Union Telephone Association for 39 years until his retirement in 1991. His retirement party was on the day of his 65th birthday, and his 12th grandchild was born on that day, too. Keith and Diane traveled the country for both business and pleasure. One of their favorite destinations was Hawaii. After retirement they spent countless hours exploring and enjoying the local mountains and deserts. For many years their home-away-from-home was the Little America hotel in Salt Lake City. Keith was a hard worker, honest, and friendly to everyone he met. He enjoyed spending time with family, working in his yard, reading newspapers, and watching sports - especially the Utah Jazz. His love and concern for his family was a dominant feature of his life. He was a member of the LDS Church and served in various capacities, including the Bishopric. Keith is survived by his children Stuart (Brenda) of Salt Lake City, Dennis (Tami) of Orangeville, and Jennifer (Jeffrey) Johnson of Orem, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren (with another one on the way). He was preceded in death by his parents; children Douglas, Leslie and Thomas; and brothers Samuel, Bruce, LaVar, and Rue. He was the last surviving Ware of that generation. Job well done, Dad! We will love you forever. Now, rest in peace. Keith was buried in the Orangeville cemetery beside his wife, Diane; and near his three children, his parents and grandparents. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share a memory of Keith at www.fausettmortuary.com.