Ben Thomas Weaver

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Ben Thomas Weaver. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Ben was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Ben was born on Kinley Air Force Base in St. David's Island, Bermuda. He was the son of Dale and Billie Weaver. Ben was raised in Conehatta, Mississippi. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Ben was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Ben's personality throughout his life.

      Though Ben was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Ben was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Ben worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Ben was raised with an older brother Greg, older sister Martha, a younger sister Nancy and a younger brother Frank.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Ben was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Ben was always tactful. One thing Ben will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Ben had a number of interests and was an active child. Ben took part in junior high football and little league baseball. He was a cub scout. In his spare time he liked listening to music.

      For Ben, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Ben was also adept at details. Ben was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1975. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mrs. horton. He was voted most talented three years in a row and he was a drum major.

  After graduating High School Ben's favorite course was Bible. His favorite professor was Dr. Howard. Ben's other interests included performing as a Coca Cola Can in Spring Sing.

      There was one thing that all of Ben's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Ben was such a popular person throughout his life. But Ben was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Ben was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Ben was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Ben was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Ben was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Ben made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Kent Peckham, John Blackburn, Leonard Fick, Ken Nichols, Jane Hunter Smith. Later in life, he became friends with Ron Wagner, Mike Church, Ed Blagg, and Dale Brooks.

      Ben was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Ben cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On April 23, 1977 Ben married Patsy Jane Lyles at Birdville Church of Christ in Haltom City, Texas. Compassionate and devoted, Ben worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Ben and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Ben was blessed with two daughters, Laura and Sarah. They were also blessed with three grandchidlren, Katie, Camille, and Luke. Ben was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Ben was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Ben would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Ben, and he expected the same from those around him. Ben was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Ben was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Ben handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His main occupation was as manufacturing planner where he was employed for 30 years at Lockheed Martin. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Ben enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were playing the guitar.

      Ben liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football and baseball.

     His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Ben to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Ben did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Ben was a member of the Beta Club. In college, Ben joined the King's Men fraternity.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Ben well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member at the Hills Church of Christ for 17 years. During that time he was a song leader at Meadow Lakes Retirement Center. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      Not only did Ben enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Prince Edwards Island and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

      Ben was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Cookie, a long-haired miniature Dachsund, who was a best friend for 4 years. His family was rounded out by his dog, Duchess.

      Ben passed away on November 7, 2016 at his home in Saginaw, Texas. After a well fought 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Ben is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patsy; daughters, Laura Eason and husband, Shawn, and Sarah Wilcoxson and husband, Joey; grandchildren, Katie Weaver, Camille Eason, and Luke Wilcoxson; siblings, Martha Dunagan (Randy), Nancy Weaver and Frank Weaver (Terri); brother-in-law, Don Lyles (Mary); and sister-in-law, Sherrie Dean (Amos); nephews; nieces; extended family; and friends. Services were held at The Hills Church of Christ in North Richland Hills, Texas. Ben was laid to rest in Prairie Mound Cemetery in Argyle, Texas.

      Ben was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Ben was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Ben Thomas Weaver.

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Ben T. Weaver of Saginaw went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 7, 2016, after a well-fought 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his 59 years he demonstrated a huge love for the Lord and his precious family. Funeral: 1 p.m. Thursday at The Hills Church, North Richland Hills campus. Burial follows in Prairie Mound Cemetery in Argyle. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home. Ben loved life and never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He worked at Lockheed Martin for 30 years. His service in God's kingdom was demonstrated by his leading worship services for several different congregations in Mississippi and Texas. Known for his "golden" voice, he provided great joy and entertainment for his family and friends throughout his life. Survivors: Ben is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patsy; daughters, Laura Eason and husband, Shawn, and Sarah Wilcoxson and husband, Joey; grandchildren, Katie Weaver, Camille Eason, and Luke Wilcoxson; siblings, Martha Dunagan (Randy), Nancy Weaver and Frank Weaver (Terri); brother-in-law, Don Lyles (Mary); and sister-in-law, Sherrie Dean (Amos); nephews; nieces; extended family; and friends.