David Ward Weaver

David Ward Weaver, age 73, of rural Liberal, Mo., passed away Tuesday, May 15, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.

David was born June 18, 1944, in Liberal, oldest of the three children of Ward and Delilah (Friend) Weaver. Growing up in the country, his love of the land and devotion to farming developed early and was evident throughout his life. On July 5, 1964, at Joplin, David married Edyth Darlington and they made their home farming and raising their two sons in Barton County. Passing his strong work ethic and moral compass to his boys, David’s legacy will continue through another generation of family farming. His Christian values were obvious in his active membership at Liberal United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Edyth; two sons, Tom and fiancé, Dana Coleman, and Barry and his wife, Jody, all of Liberal; a granddaughter, Cortney Weaver, in college in Chicago; his sister, Judy Weaver; his brother, Ed and wife, Linda Weaver, all of Liberal; and his extended Weaver and Darlington families.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m., today, at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Liberal United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Worsley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Liberal High School D.O.G.S. Foundation, Worsley Cemetery, or T & D Donkey Rescue, in care of Daniel Funeral Home.