Wendell M. Weaver

Wendell Maurice Weaver passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on November 29, 2025.

Wendell was born in Missoula to proud parents John & Irene Weaver on April 20, 1959. He was joined by a sister; Wanda on April 7, 1962. He went to elementary school in Ovando and graduated from Seeley Swan High School in June of 1977. He played football and was on the wrestling team all through high school.

After high school he went to WyoTech in Laramie, WY to learn autobody and painting. After college he worked various jobs, working on oil rigs in Oklahoma, Plentywood, MT, and Watford City area of North Dakota before returning home. He worked for Mike Lundquist mechanicing before opening up his own body and paint auto shop in Ovando.

He later closed the body and painting shop and moved to a small cabin he built up on the ranch he grew up on. He started his mobile mechanic business, Ovando Welding & Repair. He was extremely busy all over the Ovando, Helmville, Lincoln, & Seely Lake communities.

Wendell was a thoughtful, knowledgeable man who would give sound advice on every problem under the sun. He could fix anything (built before 2000! Computers were not his thing!) He could find parts for vehicles no matter how old or broken down they were. He was a friend to everyone whether he knew you for 5 minutes or 50 years. He was quick witted and had an infectious laugh.

He was a proud member of the NRA, worked tirelessly with and for the Sportsman’s Club in Lincoln and was a longtime fireman with the Ovando Volunteer Fire Department.

Wendell lived a life of honor and integrity and lived by a standard. He was a man of grit, stability and believed in things being even. He had a grumpy side, but we all appreciated him for it, and he worked hard and played harder. He didn’t have children of his own but he always loved them and connected well with them, but dogs were his best friend.

His passing has left a huge void in the entire Blackfoot Valley and a huge hole in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father John Weaver, paternal grandparents Rose & Maurice Weaver, maternal grandparents Leone & Charles Oxford, aunts & uncles George & Audrey Weaver, Bud & Jackie Weaver, Sam & Lois Weaver, Joan Weaver, Barbara Weaver, Betty Weaver, Charley Hughes, a Lib & Howard Chute.

He is survived by his mother Irene Weaver, sister Wanda (Jeff) Anderson, niece Kayla Anderson, nephews Cody Anderson & Payden Anderson, aunt Norma Hughes, uncles Fred, Bob, & Dutch Weaver and many cousins (he was close to all of them), and son-in-law Joshua Holm.