George E. Weatherford

George Edward Weatherford, 94, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away April 21, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born in Oakdale, TN in 1932, he grew up in the town of Rockwood, TN as the middle child in a family of seven children born to Walter Clyde Weatherford and Kathleen (Hinds) Weatherford. He is preceded in death by both parents, one brother, and five sisters.

After graduating from high school in 1950, George joined the US Marine Corps and served four years, including a two-year tour in Korea during the Korean War. After returning to civilian life, he completed degrees from Indiana Institute of Technology and University of Michigan in civil and structural engineering, and then later, a master’s degree in business from University of St Francis.

George worked for Central Soya for 35 years (1959-1963; 1966-1997), for Allen County, IN as highway engineer (1963-1966), and then, after retirement from Central Soya, in his own consulting business, Weatherford Engineering, 1997-2012. His expertise and experience made him a highly sought-after advisor and collaborator on local, national, and global fronts. He was especially well known for his extensive knowledge and mastery of safety in the grain industry. Also, in a field largely populated by men, he championed women in civil and structural engineering and served as a mentor for younger colleagues, both men and women. Among the many recognitions he received for his professional contributions were Citizen Engineer of the Year in 1996 and Outstanding Civil Engineer for the Year in 2010.

George and his wife of nearly 66 years, Martha (Beck) Weatherford, have two daughters. During vacations and free time, George enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. Favorite destinations included Coldwater Lake in Michigan, where the family had a vacation home, Hawaii, Europe, and Asia. In 2008, he toured South Korea with his daughters to see the remarkable transformation of the war-torn country that he had known in the 1950s to a modern high-tech marvel.

George was also a tireless worker for North Christian Church, of which he was a charter member. Willing to do everything from surveying for new construction to manning the food bank, he served in whatever capacity was needed for nearly 70 years. His faith was also lived out daily and naturally in acts like giving his winter coat to a freezing Vietnamese refugee on a Minnesota-bound plane, or assembling new bikes for his angry, frustrated neighbors.

George is survived by his wife, Martha, and two daughters, Jenny and Betsy, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, May 1, 4-7 pm, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46835. A funeral service will take place at 11 am, Saturday, May 2, at The Welcoming Community (United Faith Presbyterian & North Christian Church) at 1616 W Main St., Fort Wayne, IN 46808, with visitation starting at 10 am.

Memorial contributions can be made in George’s name to North Christian Church, Fort Wayne, and to Acres Land Trust (acreslandtrust.org)