Howard Dale Weaver

Howard "Duke" Weaver, 86, of Berryton, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at a Topeka hospital.

He was born January 19, 1926 in Admire, the son of Waldo and Alta Foster Weaver. He graduated from Admire High School in 1943. He was an Army veteran of WWII, serving in the European Theatre. After his discharge, he worked on the family farm and later became a professional baseball umpire from 1954-1956. Duke owned and operated Highland Crest Builders and was a member of Central Church of Christ. He loved working in his garden, playing cards with friends and spending time with his family.

Duke married Joyce Jones of Stratford, OK on August 6, 1956. She survives. Other survivors include one son, Lon (Christine) Weaver of Berryton, one grandson, Alec. He is also survived by his siblings, Lena Wyrick of Waverly, Cora Brown of Emporia and Jerry Weaver of Admire. Duke was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Harvey Weaver, Bob Weaver, Louise Weaver, Norma Coates and Dewey Weaver.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Central Church of Christ. Graveside committal services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery north of Admire. Duke will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 12:30 -2:30 p.m. Sunday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. Memorial contributions may be given to Central Church of Christ (Mission Efforts), 1250 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 or to the Berryton PTO (Garden Club) c/o Berryton Elementary School, 2921 SE 69th St., Berryton, KS 66409.