William Franklin Weaver, Jr.

William Franklin Weaver, Jr. of Gonzales, was born on Feb. 22 1944 at 12:01 a.m. to Frank and Margaret Weaver, the best parents and grandparents a child could ever want. He grew up in Snyder, Texas living an idyllic boyhood that he talked about to the end.

He earned scholarships to major universities but his parents wanted him to attend a small school. As a dutiful son, he chose West Texas State University and studied agricultural science. After graduation he became the county extension agent for Ellis County until Viet Nam called in 1968.

He joined the Air Force and graduated officer training school as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1969. He earned his pilot wings and then trained to become a C-130 pilot. He flew for 18 of his 20 years in the Air Force, and spent many of those years with air training command teaching others.

During his career he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Management. As his last assignment and possibly his favorite, he served as squadron commander of the USAF Survival School in Spokane, Wash.

After 20 years in the Air Force he retired to work in Del Rio for the U.S. Marshals Service and later as a civilian contractor at Laughlin AFB, again teaching young pilots to fly. He then purchased a parcel of land in 2001, eventually retiring for the second time in 2010 to this spot in Gonzales.

Bill easily made friends everywhere: in an elevator, at the feed store or over the pasture fence. He was especially proud to serve as the current president of the Possum Trot Home Owners Association. He will be missed by his “fur” children, especially faithful Sadie and his beloved T, Jack, Jelly and Mazie.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, the former Christine Ireland of Herndon,Vir.; son, Todd Weaver and wife Resa of Allen; daughters, Ann Weaver Todd and husband Darren of Woodward, Okla. and Shana Weaver Hoffer and husband Thomas of Richfield, Minn.; grandchildren, Braden Todd and wife Chelsea, Conner Todd, Mason, Mitchell, Marshall Weaver and Vienna Hoffer and great-grandchildren Lane, Duke and Jack Todd. He is also survived by his father and mother-in-law William and Esther Ireland, who loved him like a son and brother-in-law George Ireland and Sue all of Stephens City, Vir.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, April 29 at First United Methodist Church from 5 - 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Andy Smith and Pastor Matt Pennington officiating. Internment with full military honors will follow in Saturn Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mason and Mitchell Weaver, Braden and Conner Todd, Darren Todd and Thomas Hoffer. Honorary pallbearers are the 9 O’Clock Coffee Drinkers Club.

In keeping with his patriotism and love of country and flag, the Weaver family requests that memorials be made to the Gonzales ISD Lt. Col. Bill Weaver NJROTC Memorial, c/o Amanda Smith, 1711 N. Sarah DeWitt, Gonzales, Texas 78629 or by mail to Gonzales ISD, P.O. Box 157, Lt. Col. Bill Weaver NJROTC Memorial, Gonzales, Texas 78629.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul, Gonzales, Texas. Friends may sign the guestbook at seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.