Russell M. Weer

   Russell Martin Weer, Jr., 73, of Shippensburg passed away Wednesday February 7, 2018 in UPMC Pinnacle, Carlisle.

    He was born August 20, 1944 in Philadelphia to the late Rev. Dr. Russell M. and Florence Marley Weer.

    He lived in Reading, PA until 1953 when his family moved to Carlisle. He graduated from Carlisle High School in 1962. In 1966 he graduated from Tarkio College, Tarkio, MO with a BA. He received his PA teaching certificate from Dickinson College in 1967. He taught at Big Spring School District from 1967-1997. He taught in the Jr. High/MIddle School for 14 yrs and co-sponsored the Sparkies Club. The next 16 years he taught social studies/government at BSHS. He developed the first Law and Justice course offered at Big Spring. In 1972, he received his MS degree in communications from Shippensburg State College. Early in his teaching career, he coached Cross Country. He coached the high school soccer team for 11 years. He also taught one year of Industrial Arts. After retiring he was a self employed painter.

    While living in Carlisle he was a member of the Empire Hook and Ladder Co. He was an active member of First United Presbyterian Church, Newville where he was a member of the choir and served on the Trustees. While a trustee he served as chairman of the building committee during construction of Rhoades Fellowship Hall. He had also coached youth soccer, was a member of Friendship Hose Co #47 of Newville and was a member of the Newville Lions Club.

    After Hurricane Katrina he was active with Lend-a-Hand, a disaster relief group of the Carlisle Presbytery. He made multiple trips to D'Iberville, MS to assist with disaster relief. He also traveled to Iowa, West Virginia and NJ after Sandy.

     He is survived by his wife of 49 years Donna C. Weer. One daughter Christina J. (Ryan)Cox of Cranberry Township, PA; two sons, Jeffrey D. (Maria) of Lostine, OR and Alan R. (Claire) Weer of Concord, CA, 5 grandchildren Allison and Zachary Cox, Camdyn, Lilly and Dawson Weer, 2 nephews, 5 nieces, 4 great nephews and 2 great nieces.

     He is preceded in death by his sister Ruth Janet Boomershine.

    A memorial service will be held Saturday February 17, 2018 at 11 AM in First United Presbyterian Church, Newville, with the Rev. Vernon Gauthier officiating. A visitation will be held in the church from 10 to 11 AM Saturday. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

    Memorial contributions may be made to Lend-a-Hand 3040 Market St. Suite 1 Camp Hill, PA 17011, Frienship Hose Co. #47 P.O. Box 218 Newville, PA 17241, First United Presbyterian Church 111 W. Big Spring Ave. Newville, PA 17241, or Alzheimer's Association 3544 N. Progress Ave. Ste 205 Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.

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