Everett Leon Weaver

Everett Weaver was born August 31, 1942, in Grovespring, MO, to Ernest and Mary (Ballard) Weaver. As one of 12 siblings, Everett enjoyed his large family and all that came with it. He graduated from Conway High School in Conway, MO.
On November 14, 1959, Everett married the love of his life, declaring "she's my pick", Lola (Ward) Weaver. In his own words, he "fell for her 65 years ago and continued falling for her" the entirety of their life together. From their marriage came 3 children; Everett, Marlene, and LaCinda.
Everett spent most of his career working for Erickson Trucking as an over the road truck driver. The stories he collected from that time were numerous. Most notably from this job came his disdain for ketchup and cheese. If you know, you know. He was a hardworking, ethical man and enjoyed working with his hands. When home from the road and in his retirement, he spent his time doing all of the things he loved. Everett and family spent most summers camping. The Weaver family often filled the majority of a campground with their large numbers and frequent laughter. Those days camping included skiing, of which Everett was quite talented even into his older years, barbecuing, and throwing as many loved ones off a tube as he could. When behind the wheel of a boat this family man became almost ruthless in his efforts to throw anyone who dared ride behind him.
He loved helping others, frequently in the form of yard work. A good riding lawn mower and a grandbaby, or two, was all he needed for any job. And because most could not afford his astronomical "landscaping bills", he did this work with a servant's heart expecting nothing in return. Everett also loved a good western movie. Anything with John Wayne or Gene Autrey. He lived out his cowboy dreams atop his own Tennessee Walking horse, Red. Red is the embodiment of Everett Weaver in horse form. Hard working, strong and often immovably stubborn. Some of his favorite memories with his brothers were while trail riding.
Everett loved every opportunity to be with his family. In his later years that often included going out for a good breakfast or enjoying a good steak. So many stories and jokes were swapped over biscuits, gravy, bacon and eggs, scrambled real-hard.
Of all the things he loved so deeply, none compared to his love of God. On January 22, 2023, Everett rededicated his life to Christ at Awakening Church of God. Surrounded by family and brothers and sisters in Christ, he professed Jesus as his Savior. The church erupted in the presence of the Holy Spirit and he was forever changed. After his salvation, all of the best parts of Everett were made better. He spent his final years in rapid spiritual growth. He read his Bible daily. He spoke with the discernment God gifted him. He praised often (and frequently in the most unexpected locations.) Most notably, he spent the majority of his time in prayer. He brought the names of his loved ones, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, kids, and grandkids to the feet of Jesus. He would intercede on behalf of everyone, praying first and foremost for their salvation. Then for their protection and blessings.
He loved watching sermons by Jentzen Franklin, Jimmy Swaggert and anything by his pastors Brian and Tiffany Freeman at Awakening Church of God.
Everett is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Weaver; sisters, Irene, Louise, Sharlene, and Sharon Kay; brothers, one infant at birth, and Dean.
He is survived by his wife, Lola; children, Everett (Julie) Weaver, Marlene Weaver, LaCinda (Gary) Lewis; grandchildren, Kayla, Adam, Daniel, Aaron, Kaytlin, Ryan, Mallory, Michael, Jeremy, and Ashley; 17 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley, Kathy, and Ewana; brothers, Greg and Clifford; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 W. Walnut Lawn St., in Springfield. Services will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Bishop Brian Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at Hopedale Cemetery in Ozark, Missouri.
Everett loved his home church, Awakening Church of God. Each year Awakening hosts a Thanksgiving Outreach lunch for homeless and community members in need. Donations can be made to support that ministry at this link:
https://awakeningcog.churchcenter.com/giving/to/thanksgiving-outreach The fund should read "Thanksgiving Outreach"
Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.