Carl Howard Weaver

Carl Howard Weaver Aug. 24, 1929 - June 25, 2011 Carl Howard Weaver, 81, took his leave on Saturday morning at Garden Spot Village, New Holland, with his wife, LaVonne, devotedly at his side. Carl was born in Boalsburg, a son of the late Clarence Orlando and Florence Heckman Weaver. Carl attended Lemont Elementary School and State College Area High School, where he was graduated in 1947. He was class vice president, and received the "Most Valuable Player" football trophy, as well as a wrestling award. True to his high school nickname, "Westy," Carl headed west to Colorado, where he met his future bride, LaVonne Katherine Monge, at the home of her uncle, who became Carl's friend and mentor. Carl helped construct a road to a silver mine at about 14,000 feet, and used dynamite to clear the way for Colorado's first ski area, Arapaho Basin. On July 14, 1948, Carl joined the United States Air Force and served as an investigator in the 3535th Air Police Squadron at Mather Air Force Base, California. On July 20, 1951, Carl and LaVonne were married at her home in Longview, Wash., followed by a bicycle honeymoon across the Rockies. During his military service, Carl was severely injured in a plane explosion, leaving him with life-long physical challenges. After a long recovery period he completed his military service with an honorable discharge July 6, 1952. Later, Carl would serve his country in the Air National Guard of Pennsylvania, 112th AC&W Flt., State College, from 1958-1961. Carl continued his education at Pennsylvania State University, culminating in a masters degree in Industrial Arts, while working as a research assistant in the Physics Department. Carl taught Industrial Arts at Penns Valley High School, then became coordinator of the Industrial Arts Department at State College Area High School until retirement to his farm in Linden Hall, Pa. in 1995. Carl is survived by his wife, LaVonne, and daughters, Debra L. (Charles C.) Nydegger of Boalsburg and Suzanne F. (William G.) Dreibelbis of Linden Hall. Surviving siblings are one brother, Clarence Eugene (Mary Johnston) Weaver of Warriors Mark, Pa.; and a sister, Florence Louise (LeRoy "Pete") Ishler of Milton, Pa. Carl was loved by his six grandchildren, William A. (Katie Cumerford) Dreibelbis of Bryan, Texas, Carl E. (Amy Slobozien) Dreibelbis of Middletown, Pa., Katrina L. Dreibelbis of State College, Erin A. Nydegger of Wyomissing, Pa., Andrew C. Nydegger of Philadelphia, Tessa M. Dreibelbis of Linden Hall; and one great-grandson, James W. Dreibelbis, of Middletown, Pa. He was predeceased by one brother, Randolph Heckman (Barbara Pierce) Weaver. Carl was the descendant of Michael Weber/Weaver, Revolutionary War Patriot and Ranger of the Frontier. He was a teacher, farmer, friend and inspiration to many. Linden Springs Farm is filled with evidence of his legendary work ethic, his superb animal husbandry, and his vision for stewardship of the land. He was deeply rooted in Centre County, Pa., as were countless ancestors. He was a man at once of enormous strength and abundant gentleness, a man possessing great humor, also a man of few words that spoke volumes. To paraphrase Charlie Russell, western artist, we hope to meet again at the great meeting in the sky. Groff-High-Eckenroth Funeral Home in New Holland has handled funeral arrangements. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Wolf Chapel/Stover Cemetery in Aaronsburg, Pa., among Carl's ancestors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made "In Memory of Carl H. Weaver," Rock Hill School at Linden Hall, P.O. Box 151, Boalsburg, PA 16827 or "In Memory of Carl H. Weaver," Benevolent Fund at Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557.