Charles "Tom" Weyer

Charles (Tom) Weyer passed away on November 3, 2010 at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Genevieve, daughter Kim Koenig, son Tom Porter and daughter Rhonda Jiskra, four grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Tom was born October 3, 1922 to Jane and Andrew Weyer in Saskatchewan, Canada. He was named Charles after his father’s father. He was the third child of seven, but the first born boy. He is survived by his older sister Margaret, and younger brothers Bill, Joe and Pat. Tom was an avid reader, hunter and story teller. Always the teacher, his stories were full of life lessons and generally many laughs. He also enjoyed friends and family, fishing, camping, all things nature, and all things history. He had a knack for fabricating a variety of items out of metal that were built to outlast us all. Hard work was just in his nature. Tom was a World War II veteran. He enlisted in the Army November 30, 1942 and discharged December 20, 1945. During his years of service he received the Good Conduct Medal, European Theatre Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, two oak leaf clusters, as well as the Distinguished Unit Citation for serving with the first platoon, Company L, 351st Infantry, 88th Division, during the Rome-Arno campaign in Italy. He also received three Purple Hearts. One for being hit by a 88 millimeter shell in the back, another for having his arm and shoulder shattered and the third when his intestines ruptured from the concussion of a huge shell explosion. He was sent home to Fort Lewis, Washington when he contracted peritonitis and gangrene. Tom was a life-long member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He did not make a big deal about his war time accomplishments, but remained our quiet hero. World War II Veterans are a special brand of tough men that we may never see again. He had a profoundly positive impact on all who knew and loved him. His persuasive sense of humor got the best of all of us. He will be missed, but his spirit will be resurrected through his friends and family that share heart-felt memories of him. There will be a graveside service for Tom at Peone Prairie Cemetery in Mead, Washington on Veteran’s Day November 11, 2010 at 1pm.