Thursday, March 28, 2024

Henry W. Weight Sr.

Name of Deceased Henry W. Weight Sr.
Age 89
Date of Death 04/19/2021
Date of Birth 05/04/1931
Funeral Home Kader-Neff Funeral Home

Henry W. Weight, Sr. 89 of Mingoville, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at his home.  He was born at home on the Weight’s family farm in Marion Twp. on May 4, 1931, a son of the late George E. and E. Geraldine Weight.

Henry was married and divorced from his first wife, the late Gladys (Harter) Weight Miller and together had 2 sons; surviving is Jerry (T.J.) Weight and the late Henry (Hank) Weight, Jr.  Also surviving are Henry’s biological grandchildren, Teresa (Tom) Wilson of Howard and Chad Weight of State College; great-grandchildren, Seth (Jessica) and Hunter Wilson, and Carter and Ruby Weight; and a great-great grandson, Haiden Wilson.

Henry remarried Vonda (Askey) Weaver Weight who survives along with his step-family:  daughters, Sherry (Wade) Robbins and Denise (Donnie) Tressler; grandchildren, Zachary (Courtney) and Cody Robbins, and Mandy (George) Donley; Danielle and Seth Tressler, Hannah Robb, and his great grandchildren, Kyler, Raelee, Layla, and Porter Cleaver, Holden & Piper Robbins and Henry Donley.

Henry is also survived by a brother, Ronald Weight of Howard and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and a son, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Homer and Beulah Weight; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Weight, his mother/father-in-laws, Esther and Harold Askey, sister/brother-in-laws, Jane Matis, and Randy Askey. 

Henry graduated from Howard High School in 1949 with an award in agriculture.  He loved the sport of basketball and was a very proud and integral team member of the school’s program.  After graduation he took over one of the three Weight farms in Marion Twp. and eventually bought the homestead farm from his parents as well as another local farm.  His love for farming and dedication (hard work and long hours) was known by his neighbors and business associates that labeled him a very successful farmer.  Retiring from farming at the age of 47, his son, Jerry, took over the farm.  Henry’s love for farming kept him going back to the homestead to help out when he could.  Unfortunately, health issues eventually forced him to give it up.  He was very proud of his farming accomplishments and enjoyed sharing his experiences through the years as a young boy to owning and operating his own farm.  He not only had his herd of dairy cattle but ventured into other animals, sheep, pigs, rabbits, chickens and selling eggs and later in his life goats and miniature horses.  His first Grange Fair experience was at the age of 10 when he was in 4-H.  He entered two pigs… great experience but didn’t win.  He attended/tented the fair from that year forward.

Henry was a good neighbor to all, especially his fellow farmers helping them harvest their crops when asked.  He was well known, well respected by local farmers and so many others.  He loved talking about the farming awards he won over the years and various farm related boards, committees and organizations he served.  After his years of farming, he couldn’t sit still.  Soon after retirement, he went to work for the Weis Market in Bellefonte, Bierly’s Office Equipment in Pleasant Gap, and lastly, a full time employee at Walker Twp. with 13 years of service as a laborer/road master and ended his working career as a township supervisor.

He was a member of the Marion Grange, Woodmen of the World, Nittany Antique Machinery Show at Penns Cave, and a charter member of the Howard Area Lions Club.  For some 20 years, Henry was a very active representing the Lions Club as chairman of admission gates at the Nittany Antique Show during the spring and fall shows.  In 2014, Henry was humbled and quite honored to receive the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, which is the highest and most prestigious award in Lionism.  Melvin Jones founded Lions Club international in 1973 and this award is presented to individuals who have shown long service to the Club and to the community.

Henry was a director of the Jacksonville Cemetery Association and helped with Jacksonville’s annual festival.  He was a member of the Jacksonville Emmanuel Church of Christ for many years where he faithfully served as deacon and elder in his younger years.  Later, he transferred to Trinity United Church of Christ in Hublersburg.

Henry enjoyed traveling with his wife, Vonda, throughout the United States, Canada, Nova Scotia, and exciting cruises.  He especially liked sightseeing out west when the trips had anything to do with farming.  In 2001, he bought his first 2 miniature horses, which increased to 22 horses over time.  He loved caring and working with his horses and proud to share them with his family, friends, and the Marion-Walker Elementary School children.  He enjoyed working with his faithful friend, Leo Klinefelter, especially when it was sawing logs.  Henry owned a band saw and together sawed many a timber into boards used for projects on the farm and his apartments in Mingoville.  He made many pieces of beautiful trim for his house and apartments.  Henry was a jack of all trades and master of many things but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t conquer his quest to win his battle over cancer.  He was a wonderful man, highly respected by many, and will be sorely missed.  He had a passion for life… strong will to live.  The void in our lives will be significant but we will forever carry him in our hearts and cherish our memories.

Honoring Henry’s request, there will be no services.  Burial will be in the Jacksonville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Jacksonville Cemetery Association, ℅ Joyce Rogers, Treasurer, 3440 Jacksonville Rd., Bellefonte, Pa. 16823.

On-line condolences www.kader-neff.com.