Marvin Leroy Weaver

Marvin Leroy Weaver, “Joe” of Hagerstown, passed away, Tuesday February 20, 2024, at his residence at Somerford Place Assisted Living.  Born November 2, 1930, in Hagerstown, he was the 2nd son of the late Chester and Charlotte Weaver. He was a member of the Hagerstown High School graduation class of 1949, “the 49ers.”

While in high school, he helped his dad start up the Weaver Gulf Station located at Park Circle, Hagerstown. 

Upon his high school graduation, Joe enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserve.  At Paris Island, S.C., he was awarded the silver cross badge of the Marine Corp sharpshooter with the Garand rifle. He has said that the Marines/military training was the best thing that happened for him.  Upon the birth of his second son, he was honorably discharged in April 1951, with the rank of Private First Class.

His 40 year career at the Herald Mail started with type setting and grew through many new technology advances. He was one of the first to learn how to print color photographs for the paper.  He personally made it his mission to report the obituaries in the paper with the Registrar of the Wills, which was located just down the block from the paper, so that they were sure to be removed from the voter rolls. He maintained an interest in politics his entire life.

Joe was an active outdoors man who loved to hunt small game, Canadian geese, deer, elk, mule deer and moose. This activity took him to various states with family and friends. Many stories of those adventures still bring laughs.

He understood land and game management and kept up with changes, advocating for proper practices. He had a passion for training youth.  

For many years, Joe and Dolores raised and field trained Brittany spaniels. His own dog, Domez, won the distinguished honor of Grand Champion of the Field Trials for Brittany Spaniels of the American Brittany club in September 1973. 

Water skiing and snow skiing were regular activities when it wasn’t hunting season.

Joe was an original member of the Hunters’ Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, WV. He was an active member for many years of the North American Rod & Gun Club, South Mountain Rod & Gun Club, the American Legion in Funkstown, MD, and the Little Heiskell Ski club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sons, Marvin L. Weaver, Jr. and Allen P. Weaver; his wife of 68 years, Dolores Weaver; and three brothers, Gerald Weaver, Ralph “Gene” Weaver, and David “Blaine” Weaver.

Joe is survived by his sister, Lucille Butts, his brother, Rodney Weaver, his daughter in law, Linda Weaver Laverty, and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank the many family members, friends and wonderful staff at Somerford Assisted Living of Hagerstown for giving Joe excellent support and care. 

A funeral service will be held at Rest Haven Funeral Home at 1 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a contribution in Joe’s name to Hospice of Washington County, 1720 Underpass Way, Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or Somerford of Hagerstown, 10116 Sharpsburg Pike, Hagerstown, 21740.