Wayne Milton Weaver, Jr.

1933 - 2025

Wayne Milton Weaver, Jr 

Beloved husband for 71 years of Martha S. Weaver; father of Nancy Queathem-Haupert; grandfather of Carrie Haupert Scranton (David), Stacy Haupert Gillen (Rob), Alexandra Queathem Payne (John), Lindsay Haupert, and Allison Haupert Whitworth (Allen); great-grandfather of Trenton Werner (Tori), Madison and Kylee Gillen, Jake Scranton, Alex Whitworth, and Juniper Payne; uncle of Karen Seethaler Bordt, Mark Seethaler (Terry), Kim Stierheim Wallace (Jeff); dear friend to all, especially Doyle Williams. 

Wayne peacefully passed surrounded by his family on Friday, December 5th shortly following his 92nd birthday. 

Wayne was endearingly known as Poppy to his family and friends. He was a family man, a Navy veteran, and long time sailor. He retired from State Farm Insurance Company as a Claims Specialist after 31 years. 

His passion was sailing on his boat “DreamWeaver” on Carlyle Lake until a stroke kept him off the water. He cherished his evening libation - a Cuba Libre with lime, and also enjoyed watching old movies and TV shows. He was very involved in his family’s lives, taking the grandkids to weekly ice skating at Queeny Park and sailing, as well as fishing excursions. Poppy gave his love and support to his family and friends.

He grew into his signature Santa Claus look. He spread holiday cheer as Santa on Ice for the St Louis County Ice Rinks. In addition to his Skate with Santa fame, he opened the holiday season by lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Clayton after arriving in a horse drawn carriage.

Even at the end when his memory was failing, Wayne would light up when talking about first meeting Martha, over 70 years prior on Virginia Beach while waiting to return to duty after the explosion of the Bennington only weeks before. It was love at first sight which led to marriage after only a few months, much to the surprise of their parents. Wayne and Martha’s romantic love story resulted in a large, close knit family with wonderful memories.

He will be sincerely missed by all. 

Services: Roadside Service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Family and friends meeting at Sylvan Springs Park at 1:00 p.m. to go in procession to Jefferson Barracks for a 1:30 p.m. appointment. If desired memorial donations may be made to the USO.

As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.