Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Don C. Ware died on October 12, 2004, of complications during a surgery that was directly attributed to gunshot wounds he received on June 9, 1975, while working on an undercover operation in Mexico.

Special Agent Ware began his law enforcement career in 1967 with the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Police Department. He joined the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs in 1971.

On June 9, 1975, Special Agent Ware and Special Agent Wilfred Stevenson were conducting an investigation of a heroin trafficking organization in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico. During the investigation Special Agents Ware and Stevenson were kidnapped by members of the drug trafficking organization. After being searched and beaten, Ware and Stevenson were transported to the desert. In the process of escaping from the kidnappers, both men were shot. Special Agent Ware remained in critical condition for months, undergoing extensive medical treatment and numerous operations.

Special Agent Ware qualified for full medical retirement but continued to work on active duty at the DEA office in Las Vegas, Nevada, until his retirement in 1995. Ware was awarded the DEA Medal of Valor and the DEA Purple Heart Award.

Special Agent Ware was survived by his wife, Rita, and daughters, Jamie, Lori, and Anna-Marie. He was preceded in death by another daughter, Jeanette.