November 7, 1924 - March 10, 2018

David H. Weaver

David Weaver of Mesa, Arizona, passed away in his sleep on March 10, 2018, at 93 years of age, with his daughter at his side. Predeceased by his wife Lucille, brothers Nelson and Donald, and sister Rosemary, he is survived by brother Gordon, daughter Judy (Tim) Sullivan, son Doug (Jane), granddaughters Kate and Colleen, many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Dave was born in Chicago to Noble and Inez Weaver. His family later lived in Moline and Rock Island IL, ending up in Milwaukee for his final years of high school.

Dave was inducted into the Army in June 1943 at age 18, and was assigned to the 304th Port Company of the 519th Port Battalion, part of the Transportation Corps. His company was responsible for loading and unloading ships’ cargo. On June 4 1944, they shipped out from Southampton England as part of the D-Day invasion, landing at Utah Beach. Dave spent the next 5 months unloading ships in Normandy, often under hostile conditions, living most of that time in a pup tent in an apple orchard. His company was later relocated to Antwerp, Belgium, where they worked guard duty in the port warehouses and docks. He departed Antwerp in Jan.,1946, aboard a Victory ship to New York City.

On his return home to Milwaukee, Dave took advantage of the GI Bill to attend college. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Wisconsin. Dave and Lu were married in 1952. He worked as a 6th grade teacher in Shorewood WI. A few years later the family moved to South Milwaukee where Dave served as principal of Rawson Elementary School and later Blakewood Elementary. He was a longtime member of the Toastmasters and the Lions Club. In 1990, Dave and Lu retired to Tucson Arizona, where they shared many happy years of sunshine and warmth at Saddlebrooke. They were fortunate to live close enough to Judy to play an active role as proud grandparents of Kate and Colleen.

In his younger days, Dave enjoyed golfing, bicycling, coin collecting, and hiking the many trails in southern AZ. One great event in his later years was participating in the “Honor Flight” program, where veterans are escorted to Washington DC (without cost) to see the war memorials, and are provided with honor and closure for their time of service. He was always most proud to wear his Honor Flight t-shirt and hat when we went out for a meal.

After Dave’s health declined, he most enjoyed viewing sports on TV, and was watching college basketball with Kate on his last evening. Dave was a very gregarious person and loved meeting new people and learning about their lives. He was a loving father and a great role model.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service for Dave and Lu will be scheduled later this year..
Gifts of remembrance may be sent to Honor Flight, www.honorflight.org

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