John Earl Weeks, Jr.

John Earl Weeks Jr., a beloved father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2024, at the age of 97. He was born on February 10, 1927, in Cleburne, Texas, to John Earl Weeks Sr. and Moye Estelle Blakeney. John led a life full of purpose, creativity, and love, leaving behind a rich legacy in the fields of journalism, music, and community service.

John attended Cleburne High School before going on to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Texas at Austin. His professional career began as a journalist at the Dallas Times Herald, where he worked in the editorial department and as a part-time editorial cartoonist. Later, he spent time at the University of North Texas in the science and news department before retiring after over two decades as a writer and editor for the American Heart Association.

 An active and passionate individual, John served in the Texas National Guard and was a proud member of the Dallas Press Club. Outside of his career, John’s hobbies and interests brought him much joy. Following his retirement, he became an accomplished percussionist, playing for various groups in Dallas, including the Think Band, The Survivors, Blue Diamond Trio, and with the Sorta Sisters. John’s lifelong love for trains was something he shared with his grandsons, Cameron and Ethan, as well as with his grandson’s other Grandpa, Steve.

 John was also an avid animal lover, particularly fond of his cats Murray and Henry, as well as the family dog, Sammy. In his later years, he reconnected with former high school classmate Joan Hinds, with whom he shared a treasured companionship for over 10 years.

 John married Elizabeth “Libba” Anderson on June 28, 1958. Over the course of a 52-year marriage they shared a deep, enduring love until Libba’s passing on January 16, 2010. John is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Kathryn Weeks; son, Jonathan “Jed” Edmond Weeks; daughter-in-law, Mary Weeks; and his grandsons, Cameron and Ethan Weeks. His family was his greatest pride, and his legacy lives on in them.

 A memorial reception will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Lucas Funeral Home in Keller, Texas. Friends and family are invited to come and go during the reception to celebrate John’s life and share memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Operation Kindness Animal Shelter, a cause dear to John’s heart.

 John Earl Weeks Jr. will be remembered for his kindness, his creativity, his love for family, and his lifelong commitment to the people and causes that mattered most to him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.