Harold VanderWeide

Harold Cornelius VanderWeide passed away on June 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife Donna VanderWeide, son David VanderWeide, daughters Carol Austin, Anne Myers and Vicki Alger, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Harold was born November 9, 1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the third child of Lambert VanderWeide and Sena Maring, both Dutch immigrants. He grew up attending the Christian Reform Church in the tight-knit Dutch community. He attended General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan where he gained a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Harold moved to Houston, Texas in 1962 to work for Texas Instruments. It was in Houston that he met Donna Slaybaugh at First Presbyterian Church, where they both attended. Harold and Donna married on June 28, 1963. Harold and Donna were active members of the Special Topics Sunday School class, volunteered with the children's program and youth group. Harold served as a Deacon, Elder, Elder Emeritus, and Clerk of the Session at First Presbyterian for many years.
Harold and Donna owned and operated Merriweather School for 17 years, a private school for ages three-years through fifth grade. After retiring in 1996, Harold volunteered for many years with Operation ID and Home Bound Communion. Despite never learning how to swim, Harold loved to spend time at the pool and the beach with his kids and grandkids, hanging out in his inner tube. Harold played in the Harris County Senior Softball league from 1989-1999 and served a year as the Secretary of the League. Harold was a student of history and theology and enjoyed reading and gathering fun facts to share with friends and family. Harold lived a long and generous life. His family knows he is now healed and whole again in heaven with his Father.