La-Thon Ware was the manager of “Broken Pieces,” a local Christian rock band. Band members say he was much more than a manager to them.

"He was a brother and he was a friend," said Jesse Miller, a band member.

Jeremiah Brinkley is another band member, and he described how the group became so close to Ware.

"He did the sound for the band. You know we hung out all the time. We played countless shows and that's when he grew more like a brother," said Brinkley.

The band mates appreciated all that Ware did for them.

"He was the unsung, unseen hero of the band. We couldn't have done it without him. He just poured his heart and all of his energy into the band because he loved people,” said Roy Lambert, another member in the band.

Friends and family shared thoughts and prayers for Ware in letters. Scott Kuebler wrote “La-Thon's legacy is simple and unforgettable.” Brandon Biddle said, “He was a great dad, husband and friend to me and my family.”

"When God created La-Thon, I think He looked down, and was like, 'This community is boring. It needs a little flavor. It needs a little spice. Let's send La-Thon down there,'" said Miller.

His friends said he was always involved in the church and volunteered for youth groups. Above all, they said he was a family man who will never be forgotten.

"I know where La-Thon is. He's in Heaven, and I'm gonna see him again. We're gonna see him again one day, just not yet. We got to wait a little while."

Ware's pastor said he was a youth worker, Sunday school teacher and the sound tech for the church.

His band members say it would be tough to get on without his help, but they will always have him in their hearts.

Ware's funeral is scheduled for Saturday at the Spring Creek Church of the Nazarene near Bridgewater. It will begin at 2 p.m.

Ware leaves behind his wife and two children.

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