Thomas Keith Weaver

Keith Weaver, beloved husband and friend, joined his Lord and Savior in heaven on Friday, Dec. 26, 2008, after an extended illness.He was born on July 14, 1955, to Thomas Frederick and Juanita Elizabeth (Nace) Weaver. He decided at a young age he preferred to be known by his middle name. He was often ill as a child, and so learned to read early. Encyclopedias were his window to the world as he grew up. He was encouraged by his father to live life fully during his healthy periods, which engendered a life-long adventuresome streak that inspired Keith to try his hand at many activities.Keith graduated from Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City in 1973. He enrolled at Oklahoma State University where he pursued a wildlife management degree, but later changed his major to engineering. He received his bachelor of science degree in mechanical power in 1987. Shortly after, he was hired by Mercury Marine (in conjunction with General Motors) in Stillwater to be on the manufacturing team for the experimental Corvette LT-5 engine. He was responsible for the design, fabrication and installation of the material handling equipment to produce the lightweight engine. He later worked for Air Systems Components in Ponca City, the Flintlock Shoppe, Inc., of which he was president, Nomadics, Inc., Stillwater, NTech, Inc., Stillwater, RK Machine in Ripley and Stillwater Steel and Supply, Stillwater.Keith abided by his deep faith in God in his daily activities and refused to compromise his ideals. In so doing, he served as an inspiration for many people who needed reassurance that the best path in this life is most certainly not the easiest, but the most rewarding. He loved people more than anything.Some of Keith’s personal activities included French fur trapper-trader era skills and participating in rendezvous, flying aerobatic aircraft, gun-making, fabricating tools, boating, hunting, Civil War reenactments with the 30-foot steam launch he built with his wife and operating anything steam-powered. He was a member and past board officer of the Oklahoma Steam Threshing and Gas Engine Association, Antique Caterpillar Machinery Enthusiasts bulletin board, the I-Boats bulletin board and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.He was previously married to Teresa Randel Weaver.He was predeceased by his father and brother, Lee Weaver.He survived by his wife, Marneth; stepson, George Ferris; mother; and numerous loving aunts, uncles cousins, nephews, nieces and dear friends.The family extends its gratitude toward the many friends, physicians, medical personnel and Judith Karman Hospice staff that took care of them throughout the time Keith was ill.A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Jan. 10 in University Heights Baptist Church in Stillwater.