Wayne Eugene Weber

August 28, 1935 – January 20, 2026

Dr. Wayne E. Weber, 90, of Salem, Oregon, went home to be with Jesus on January 20. Wayne lived a full and adventurous life marked by deep faith, a love of gardening, and a genuine love for people. He will be remembered for his warm smile, his encouraging spirit, and the way he always took time to talk with and care for those around him.

Wayne and Joellyn shared a blended family of seven children: Debbie Page of Salem, OR; David Weber (Diana) of Battlefield, MO; Todd Harris (Janet) of Salem, OR; Tami Sawyer (Kevin) of Bend, OR; Donna Weber of Salem, OR; and Deanna Crowe (Anthony) of Leesburg, VA; and Jerry Aicher of Salem, OR.

He was a proud grandfather to Danielle Wagner, Dallis Weber (Jerica), Kelsey Harris (Cassi), Breann Harris, Kaylie Harris, Heather Hunt, Megan Hunt, Sara Perkins (Torrance), Michael Crowe, Evan Crowe, Andre Aicher and sixteen beloved great-grandchildren who brought him great joy throughout his life.

Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joellyn Weber, whom he loved dearly; his great-granddaughter Rowan Elise Wagner; his grandson Jordan Harris; his parents, Gertrude and William Weber; and his older brother Jim.

Wayne was born on August 28, 1935, in Auburn, Nebraska, to Gertrude and William Weber. He began life on his great-grandfather Weber’s hog farm, where water came from an outdoor well and heat came from an old potbelly stove. His grandfather, August Weber, lived with the family and was an important part of Wayne’s early childhood. Wayne often accompanied him into town, where his grandfather would buy him a Coca-Cola while they watched the old men play checkers at the local store.

Wayne also shared a very special bond with his Aunt Lenora. She had no children of her own and loved Wayne deeply, considering him and his children to be her family. Her encouragement and support helped him pursue his dream of becoming a veterinarian and played an important role in helping him achieve that goal.

The family later moved to Laredo, Texas, where his father raised cattle and shipped them to Chicago. Wayne remembered those days fondly, including the chuck wagon used while tending cattle out on the range. He started fifth grade there before the family moved again to San Antonio, where they lived in a small travel trailer. Wayne’s father worked various jobs before passing away when Wayne was still a young teenager.

After his father’s passing, Wayne and his mother moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where they worked on a dairy farm. His mother kept the books while Wayne trained and showed cattle at the fair. It was during this time that Wayne began attending youth group and school events, which helped strengthen the foundation of his Christian faith. At just 15 years old he earned his driver’s license, and he graduated from high school at the remarkable age of 16. During his senior year he also competed in boxing and fought in a Golden Gloves match, learning early in life that sometimes you can take a punch and keep moving forward.

While working at the dairy, Wayne often accompanied the visiting veterinarian on his rounds. Those experiences sparked the dream that would shape his life. He attended New Mexico A&M (now New Mexico State University) in Las Cruces. After one year he and his mother moved to Oklahoma, where he continued his studies at Oklahoma State University and graduated with his degree in veterinary medicine.

Wayne began his veterinary practice in Nebraska. After several years he returned to school and began a long and meaningful career with the USDA in meat inspection. His work took him to many places over the years, including Duncan, OK; Clovis, NM; Bend, OR Bowie, MD; Sydney, Australia; Sterling, VA; Austin, TX; and eventually back home to Salem, OR.

Even after retirement, Wayne remained active. He worked as a food inspection consultant for Cook and Thurber, traveling throughout the United States as well as to Europe and East Asia.

Wayne loved the outdoors and rarely turned down an adventure. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, running, and biking. He was even known to try parasailing and wind surfing. Some of his favorite times were spent fishing with friends and taking his pontoon boat down the Willamette River.

His faith was a central part of his life. Wayne loved singing in the church choir and found great joy in worship and fellowship. Over the years he served others in many ways, including as a Boy Scout leader, youth group leader, Sunday School teacher, football coach, and small group leader. Later he volunteered as an Ombudsman for senior care, delivered Meals-On-Wheels for over five years and mentored men through the Union Gospel Mission and The Most Excellent Way program.

Wayne’s life was marked by faith, service, adventure, and a deep love for his family. He had a gift for encouraging others and was always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. Those who knew him will remember his kindness, his steady faith in God, and the joy he found in time spent with family, friends, and the outdoors. His legacy of love, faith, and perseverance will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.