"My Hero: You held my hand when I was small. You caught me when I fell. You are the hero of my childhood and later years as well. Every time I think of you my heart still fills with pride. Though I will always miss you Dad, I know you're by my side. In laughter and in sorrow, in sunshine and in rain, I know you're watching over me until we meet again. - Author Unknown"
In loving memory of
Herbert G. Weaver, Sr
March 26, 1930 - May 19, 2023
Herbert G. Weaver Sr., 93, of Bradenton FL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday May 19th, 2023. Mr. Weaver was born on March 26, 1930 in Goshen IN and was the son of U. Grant and Edith Blough Weaver.
He moved to Johnstown PA where he spent most of his formative years before graduating from Lancaster Mennonite High School. He later graduated from Eastern Mennonite College and went on to receive a Master's of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Delaware. He went on to become a Clinical Chemist for numerous Hospitals on the East Coast before becoming a Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Valley Medical Laboratory in Harrisonburg VA in 1972. After moving to Florida to be closer to his aging parents, he continued his career in Laboratory Science before becoming an Ordained Minister for a number of Church of the Brethren churches in Florida after receiving his Master of Divinity and Doctorate degrees from Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He also taught Chemistry and Laboratory Technology at Eastern Mennonite College, Rockingham Memorial Hospital, Reading Hospital in PA, and Manatee Community College throughout his career.
His passions were studying the word of God, teaching Sunday School, preaching and directing choirs at various congregations which he continued until the past few years when his health began to decline. He was a member of Cortez Road Baptist Church and also a long time member of the Rockingham Male Chorus and continued to be active until his final years. He attended and sang in many performances in multiple states as he was able, even after relocating to Florida.
He was married to Avinell Ketterman Weaver, who preceded him in death. He was later married to Rebecca Weaver, who also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife Joyce Blatzheim Weaver of Bradenton FL. Also surviving are seven children, Judi Weaver of Harrisonburg VA, Herb (Anita) Weaver Jr. of Harrisonburg VA, Joyce Earl (John) of Roanoke VA, Jim Weaver (Ilsa) of Bridgewater VA, Elizabeth Reed of Tidioute PA, Susan Giles (Thomas) of Bradenton FL, and Jo Ann Weaver of Bradenton FL. He is also survived by Grandchildren, Tyler, Mikita (Steven), Anda (Andrew), Raven, Adam, Aaron (Jessica), Melissa, Jacob (Courtney), Olivia (Sir), Aaron, Thomas, and Jazlyn, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Virginia Esch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice Foundation at 3550 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34239.
Tributes
"Herb was a friend and valued member of the Rockingham Male Chorus. He worked hard scheduling multiple singing tours throughout the Sarasota, Bradenton area. I will miss his friendly personality and Christian fellowship. He served God well, and has received a well deserved reward in Heaven. I thank God for the years God has allowed Herb and I to be friends. David MacMillan, Director Rockingham Male Chorus"
"Our deepest condolences to the Weaver family and friends from Kay Waites and staff at Sound Choice Cremation."