Ernest Charles Weber (94) of Newton

Ernest Charles Weber, age 94, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 5:00 AM on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at Lakeland Rehabilitation Center in Effingham, Illinois.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  In loving memory of Ernie, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here. 

Ernie was born on March 23, 1929, in Wheeler, Illinois, the son of Russell and Beulah (Sowers) Weber.  He was raised in East Chicago, Indiana until the age of 16 when his family returned to Wheeler where he finished his last two years of high school.  Ernie was a star pitcher for East Chicago Washington, and brought his talents to Newton community High School for his junior and senior years (1946-47).  He was a wingback and punter for the football team of Newton High School playing for the now legendary Frank Chizevsky.

Ernie was an All-Star in the powerful Mid State semi-pro baseball league pitching and batting cleanup for the Newton squad.  He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne.

After the War he returned to Newton and married Marilynn Smith on January 27, 1957, at the Presbyterian Church in Newton. To this union one child was born.

Ernie was an avid golfer and enjoyed a most memorable golfing trip to Scotland with his son in 1997.  He rolled the first 700 series ever at Parklanes Alleys in Newton.  In the winters when he wasn’t bowling he was training bird dogs and hunting quail.  He was also a flag waving member of the Chicago Cubs Fan Club!!

Ernie was employed at Norris Electric Co-op in Newton for 51 years and spent the last 22 of those as manager.  He was also an instrumental part of the initial start-up of EJ Water.

Ernie is survived by:

Child: Dr. Tony (Patricia) Weber of Altamont, Illinois

Grandchild: Lauren (Evan) Frederick of Goshen, Kentucky

Great Grandchildren: Liam and Isaac Frederick

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Marilynn