William Walter Weber was born July 10, 1924, in Hays, KS, to the late Jerome and Pauline (Geist) Weber. He passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2012, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital at WaKeeney, KS, at the age of 87.


Buck moved from Hays with his parents and siblings to Fort Morgan, CO in 1940, to manage a farming and cattle operation. He graduated from Fort Morgan High School and attended Greeley State College in Greeley, CO, on an athletic scholarship. He was recruited to play football, baseball, wrestling, and was also a boxer. He continued to play baseball, softball, and was a rodeo calf roper. He also developed a life long love for horses. He treasured the time spent with his family and many grandchildren.

On February 16, 1947, Buck was united in marriage to Hazel Margaret Amen in Sterling, CO. They met at a baseball game in Merino, Colorado where they were instantly attracted to each other. Hazel agreed to go out with him if he hit a home run and the rest is history.

They moved to WaKeeney in 1958. Through the years they enjoyed bowling and playing golf together as a couple. They would have celebrated their 65th anniversary next month.


Buck worked as a farmer, cattleman, horseman, and owned his own business, Buck's Conoco. While working for the City of WaKeeney, his responsibilities included maintaining the cemetery. He retired after 10 years of service in 1995.


Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Hazel, of the home; son, William and wife, Denise, of Liberal; daughters, Deborah Schoenberger and friend, Charles Kuntz, of Quinter, Diane Wagner and husband, Ross, Paula McCurdy and husband Mike, all of WaKeeney; eighteen grandchildren; and twenty-two great-grandchildren.


Preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter, Willanette Jamison; a brother, Julius Weber; and a sister, Henerietta Holland.

Visitation for Buck will be 6:30-8:00 PM, Thursday, January 19, 2012 in Schmitt Funeral Home at WaKeeney with Vigil Service at 7:00 PM.

Services for Buck will be 10:00 AM Friday in Christ the King Catholic Church with Father Donald Pfannenstiel officiating. Interment will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Trego County Health Department or the Trego County Recreation Commission- Outdoor Field Improvements and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.