Robert J. Ware, Jr.

Robert J. “Bob” Ware, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at his home in Louisiana, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79 years old.

Born to Robert J. Ware, Sr. and Louise Beritiech Ware, Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Russell D. Ware. He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Nellie Caruso Ware; his brother, Michael Ware; his sister, Diane Martin (Mike); his sister-in-law, Angela Grahn; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bob served his country with distinction for more than 32 years in federal law enforcement. A U.S. Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Reservist and U.S. Coast Guard Reservist, he earned the nickname “Border Bob” during a 28-year career that took him from the skies as one of the earliest Federal Air Marshals to the Gulf Coast, where he directed complex investigations into drug smuggling, money laundering, and maritime security. As Resident Agent in Charge, he oversaw operations across Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Louisiana. In 2004, he continued his service as Senior Export Control and Border Security Advisor in Almaty, Kazakhstan, helping strengthen that nation’s border infrastructure and nonproliferation efforts.

Away from his professional duties, Bob remained deeply committed to family, faith, and community. He was an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Silver Beaver Award, and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. His great passion was genealogy; he researched and compiled hundreds of family trees, binding them into books for relatives and new acquaintances alike. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of Union Veterans, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, finding both intellectual stimulation and a sense of connection through the study of history and lineage.