Afton L. Ware

Afton L. Ware, age 87, of Highlandville, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021. He was born June 22, 1933, in Highlandville, Missouri, the son of Willie and Flossie (Melton) Ware. He married Judith Ann Blevins on November 27, 1960, and together they had two sons, Jeff and Jim. In 1949 Afton graduated from Highlandville High School, the last graduating class at this school. After attending college Afton joined the Air Force, serving from 1952 till 1956. While in the service he passed the exam to be a pilot but chose to work on power units for jet engines. After leaving the Air Force, Afton worked at Eagle Picher in Joplin, Missouri where he developed new systems related to silver reclaiming. He then worked in the laboratory at Frisco Railroad. Afton was hired to become a forensic chemist in Jefferson City's Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory where he served for 35 years. During this period Afton became a "Fellow" in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and was a member of Midwest Association of Forensic Sciences and became a founding member of Clandestine Laboratory Associates. Afton was immensely proud of the time he spent with the Highway Patrol and the business he began for testing drugs. Afton loved his church. He was most proud of designing Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and took many visitors to see it. He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Jeff Ware and wife Rachel, and Jim Ware; a granddaughter, Jeff and Rachel's daughter, Jamie Elizabeth Ware; nephews, Mark Ware and wife Jackie, Dennis Ware and wife Julie, Curtis Ware and wife Chris; a niece, Jan Chase and husband Terry; great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Afton was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Flossie Ware; two brothers, Lowell Ware and wife Bonnie, and Orville Ware and wife Betty; and niece, Tienne (Ware) Hollis. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 7, until the service at 11:00 a.m. at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Pastor Danny Hartwell and Pastor Travis Edwards will be officiating. Burial will follow in Highlandville Cemetery.