J. Roger Ware

Joseph (Roger) Ware, PHD, died peacefully after his fight with Cancer on Thursday, April 26, 2012. With his passing, his family, friends and students mourn the loss of a shinning presence in their lives. Roger as he like to be known as was born October 19, 1930, in Louisville, Kentucky. What all of us will miss is: The unspeakably vivid and beautiful presence of him, his originality, his inexhaustible company, his intellectual vitality, great, spirit, creative genius, splendid generosity and love. He loved to be engaged in conversation and enjoyed creative interaction. He will remain a great gift and we will still be drawing on that until the end of our own days. He had a zest for life and has been described as having his glass so full that it is spilling over the top and Roger would say: that s "Marvelous". He shared his bright yet quiet spirit with everyone he met. He helped so many learn, explore, seek out and find their full potential. With a story that he told many times that was close to his heart, he finally fouund his pony.After the Air Force he continued his studies which lead him to the field of Psychology and Teaching. Roger graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Philosophy and went on to teach at Tennessee Wesleyan College. Later he earned his PHD in Philosophy at the University of Kentucky and was awarded the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel. He moved to Indianapolis in 1972 with a one year contract with IUPUI. He stayed and taught for 40 years in the Psychology Department.Also known by many as Father Christmas, as he dressed in various costumes designed by his daughter Julia, and entertained young and old alike in the month of December for many years. Roger loved to learn as well as teach. His classes were always out of the ordinary, students never knew what to expect which kept them coming back for more. He studied many forms of spirituality, dancing, natural and holistic health and loved to work in his garden.Roger proceeds in death by his parents, Charles Lindsay and Marie Joseph "Josie"; brothers, Donald and Jerry. He is mourned by his wife, Eunice Ware; son, Geoffrey and Jessi Ware; and daughter, Julia Ware and Stephen Ingerman; son, Jonathan Ware; grandchildren, Owen and Dillon Ware and Gwendolyn Fortner; brother, Thomas Ware, Dennis Ware, Stephen Ware; sisters, Patricia Robertson and Peggy Schoenhoff; and countless friends and students.The Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, May 12, 2012, at the Knights of Columbus, 2100 E. 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46220. The family service will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Public Celebration from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Roger wanted a cheerful party to remember his life. He wanted everyone to wear bright colors, and tell stories that would make him smile. He loved food and wanted anyone who would like to bring their favorite recipe. We ask in lieu of flowers that donations be made to The A-WARE-ness scholarship fund be made in his name. http://weareallaware.com/.

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J. Roger Ware

October 19, 1930 - April 26, 2012