Richard Wayne Weller

Richard W. Weller passed away peacefully at 8:22 p.m. Friday, January 7th, 2022 to be with his beloved wife Nadeane (Annis Nadeane Claypool), his dearly loved daughter Marcy and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Richard (Dick) was born the fourth of seven children to Harold and Leona (Goldman) Weller in Frederick, OK, November 17th, 1932. The five boys: Jack, Harold (Junior), Bill (Billy Joe), Dick and Kenny (Kenneth Dale) were all born in Oklahoma. The hardships of Oklahomas Dust Bowl during the Great Depression convinced the family to move to Bismarck, IL where the two younger sisters, Karen and Sheila were born. The school years were lean years; the Weller kids walked to Bismarck every day and hunted with the familys .22 rifle afterwards (kept in the principals office during school) on the way home to help put food on the table. Growing up meager taught dad that nothing is wasted, anything can be fixed, sticks make great toys and you better eat fast when the food hits the table. Being tough was learned but being grateful came naturally; and dad handed down the lessons to his kids and grandkids alike.

Dick met the girl (Nadeane) who would be the love of his life in 1945 while in seventh grade and she but two years behind. He graduated from Bismarck Township High School in 1950 and attended Illinois State University where hed been awarded a Teachers Scholarship that paid his full tuition ($40/semester and not to exceed $320 for four years). Dick married his high school sweetheart Nadeane on September 6, 1953 and the two of them lived in Normal, IL while he finished his last three semesters of college.

Dick and Nadeane moved to Ridge Farm in August 1955 where his career in education started as a Science teacher followed by eleven years as the Grade School Principal. In the 16 years at Ridge Farm their five children were born: Melinda Ann (Joe) White, Melissa Sue (Michael) Moore, Marissa Lynn Weller, Megan Maria (Greg) Weddle and John Richard (Emily Beach) Weller. Over the past 68 years, their family has grown to include 55 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren and in-laws.

He accepted the Oakwood Grade School Superintendent position from 1971 1975 and the Assistant Regional Superintendent position for Vermilion County schools in August 1975. After eleven years as the Assistant he was appointed for a year as the Regional Superintendent quickly followed by two successful elections to that office for an additional eight years. Dick felt strongly that a teacher was important in every childs life, telling young teachers that no matter what "give a smile and a kind word to every child every day because it might be the only one they get."

In 1976, the family moved to Bismarck, IL where he and Nadeane made their home for 42 years by the North Fork River. Like all the Weller boys, Dick grew up in the outdoors and went there out of habit as much of necessity. He loved to golf and he loved to hunt but fishing was his catharsis, his therapy for what ailed him (and what "ailed" him was not being fishing that very moment). And, as much as he loved all of this he loved mushrooming even more. Its a treasure hunt through the woods where you feel like a kid on Halloween every time you spot a morel.

Dick was a beleaguered sports fan loving Illini basketball and the Cubs as he did. He loved Crossword Puzzles and Science Fiction, Mysteries and History as well as Limericks and good Poetry, often reciting what he had memorized through the years. Among his favorites were The Cremation of Sam McGee, Casey at the Bat, and the House by the Side of the Road. In later years he deeply enjoyed the teachings of the Bible and the discussions that each Sunday would promise.

Family and friends meant the house was rarely quiet wherever he and Nadeane lived. Coffee and conversation were continually refreshed and often included hours of Euchre. He could be described as old fashioned and even stern but the ornery kid in him never strayed far from his humor.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, his older brothers Jack, Harold and Bill, his youngest sister Sheila, Aunt Bert and Uncle Floyd (Strebing), close family friends Evelyn and Gerald Gardner and Jerry Collins, his most dearly loved wife Nadeane and their beloved daughter Marissa Lynn.

Dick and Nadeane made friends wherever they went (a stranger was just a friend they hadnt yet met). They were loved by their children, family and countless friends who were family as well. Though our loss weighs heavy, there is comfort knowing he is fully restored with mom and the love of the only true Lord and Savior in Paradise.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 9:00 am 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 1400 North Vermilion Street, Danville, IL. A Funeral Service will follow the visitation at 11:00 am at the church, with a short graveside ceremony at Sunset Memorial Park, 3901 N Vermilion St, Danville, IL 61834 where he will be laid to rest with Nadeane and Marcy. A luncheon will be provided at the First United Methodist Church afterwards. Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift for him may do so to their favorite local charity or to the family outreach ministry, Angel Wings Ministry.

Services Visitation Wednesday January 12, 2022 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church 1400 North Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61832 Funeral Service Wednesday January 12, 2022 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church 1400 North Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61832