Michael Lynn “Chico” Ware Jr., 36, Elkins, W.Va., and for the past several years, Oakland, passed from this life on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He had been in his usual health and death was unexpected.

Born on March 8, 1980, in Houston, Texas, he was the son of Michael Lynn Ware Sr., Beverly, W.Va., and Kathryn Lynn Higgins Basinger, Connellsvile, Pa. He is also survived by his stepparents, Judy Ware and Joey Lee Basinger.

He was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Daisy.

He attended the schools of Randolph County, and had worked as a pipe fitter in Washington, D.C., as well as a printer for The Republican newspaper. He enjoyed riding four wheelers, spending time on the boat, and picking mushrooms.

Mike is survived by his three children, Natasha Anne Ware, Elkins, and Michaelia Lynn Ware and Mallikye Cole Ware, both of Davis, W.Va.; their mother, Naomi (Schadewald) Ware, Elkins; two sisters, Angel Marie Lansberry and husband Dennis and Brenda Olivene Edwards and husband Glenn, all of Philippi, W.Va.; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Randolph Funeral Home, Valley Bend, W.Va., where a service will be conducted on Friday, Dec. 16, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. A.H. Belt officiating. Interment will follow at Mingo Cemetery, Valley Head, W.Va.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Michael Lynn “Chico” Ware Jr., persons may visit www.therandolphfuneralhome.com. Those wishing to donate to the family, may visit Michael’s Tribute Fund at www.gofundme.com/ funeral-expenses-for-mike-ware-jr.