Joshua Wayne Ware, age 47 of Bear Lake, MI died Friday evening December 6, 2024, unexpectedly from a ruptured aortic aneurysm.

He was born on July 25, 1977, in Frankfort, Michigan, the son of Chris & Lynn (Brown) Ware. He was a 1996 graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School in Wisconsin and later earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.

For the past seven years Josh was employed by the Manistee County Road Commission. Prior to that he had been employed as a driver by Blarney Castle Oil Company and by the Manistee County Sherriff's Department as a Corrections Officer.

Josh was an avid hunter, enjoying many hours in the woods with his family members and companion Donna. He was a dependable trustworthy friend to many in the Bear Lake area and beyond.

Survivors include his three children; Cheyenne Ware, Specialist Trace (Natalie) Ware serving in the United States Army, and Jacob Jauregui, his most favorite best friend, his grandson; Hudson Wayne Ware who was the highlight of his life, his significant other; Donna Humphrey, his parents; Lynn (Rick) Jensen & Chris (Kym) Ware, siblings; Jason (Bridget) Ware, Jacob (Kristen) Ware, & Jenna Ware, and step children; Conner & Chloe McPherson, aunts & uncles; Bernie & Sandee Ware, Ralph & Jean Ware, Joe & Ruth Ware, Don & Maria Appleby, Robert & Lauri Brown, best friend & uncle; Pete & Mary Brown, Joey Brown, aunt/2nd mom; Loree Brown & Mark, nieces & nephews; Will, Nichole, & Macy Wallace & Celia, Carolyn, & Lincoln Ware, as well as numerous cousins & friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bud & Irma Ware and Merle & Bette Brown.

A Celebration of Josh's Life will take place Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Bear Lake Community Church. The family will receive friends at the church Friday evening from 5-7 PM.

Memorials in Josh's name may be directed to his family to set up an education fund for his grandson, Hudson.

Please share a memory or photo with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.