Obituary of Gary Joe Weaver

Gary Joe Weaver was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on November 8, 1949. He was two of four children born from the union of Burl Weaver and Cleva (Ellison) Weaver. In 1962 the family moved to Michigan where Gary completed his education at Monroe High School, graduating with the Class of 1967.

Gary married his high school sweetheart: Jacqueline Gay Thornton at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church on May 10, 1968. He was the loving father of eight children, twenty grandchildren, and four great grandchildren with one on the way. Family was near and dear to his heart.

A hardworking man he supported his family with employment at Chrysler Automotive as a laborer. He retired from his position after thirty-two years of service to live out the great commission and lead others to Christ, taking the Head Pastorate at Woodside Baptist Church in Rockwood. Gary pastored at many other local churches during his life. He loved to read and study his Bible.

Gary enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie with anyone willing to go with him. He loved to take his grandchildren fishing, swimming, or on any adventure he could find. He was always there for his family.

Gary also enjoyed woodworking and making old things new. With this passion he started a side business, Gary’s Once Again.

Gary Joe Weaver went to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 74 on Tuesday; August 20, 2024. He was in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by loved ones, and under the care of Harmony Cares Hospice. Gary fought a valiant fight with cancer the past two years. Now at home with Jesus and those who have gone before including his parents; two sons: Stephen Andrew Weaver and Aaron Weaver; and a brother: John Weaver, he will forever be in the hearts and memories of the loved ones left behind.

To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of fifty-six years: Jacqueline Gay Weaver of LaSalle; six children: Tammy (Brian) Chase of Temperance, Michigan, Shanna (Curt) West of Knoxville, Tennessee, Matt (Anna) Weaver of Petersburg, Michigan, Nate Weaver of Clemson, South Carolina, Jeremy (Misty) Weaver of Ida, Michigan, and Carissa (Ryan) Wilson of Petersburg, Michigan; two sisters: Marsha (John) Wheeler and Donna (Danny) Pierson both of Springfield, Ohio; twenty grandchildren: Brandon (Katie) Chase, Blake (Anna) Chase, Bradley Chase, Meagan (Jared) Kahn, Josh (Caitlin) Wamsley, Noah (Savannah) Wamsley, Tripp Jenkins, Avery Jenkins, Cora Weaver, Vada Weaver, Kayla Weaver, Lilly Weaver, Kaidence Weaver, Charley Weaver, Aiden Weaver, Ava Weaver, Tucker Wilson, Levi Wilson, Nolan Wilson, and Brynnleigh Wilson; and four great grandchildren: Isabella, Kennedy, Desmond, and River with an additional one on the way.

Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 3:00pm on Saturday; August 24, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 3:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Heath Hunter

officiating. A Memorial Luncheon will be held at the LaSalle Township Hall; 4111 LaPlaisance Road, LaSalle, Michigan 48145. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc. Private inurnment will be in the Butterfly Garden at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle.

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