William Charles “Bill” Weber

William Charles “Bill” Weber, 87, passed peacefully on March 6, 2026, in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on November 3, 1938, in Stuart, Nebraska to Joseph and Margaret Weber. Being the fifth of fourteen children, Bill developed the grit, humor, and stubborn determination that came with growing up with a large family and would define him for the rest of his life.

Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962. During that time, he met his first wife, Barbara Atkinson (née Allen). Together they welcomed five children: Patricia, Ron, Jean, Mike, and Rob. Later, Bill married Mariann McNaughton, and together they welcomed their son, William “Billy” Weber Jr. In time, Bill married Mary Baker, gaining six bonus children: Kenny, Bobby, Curt, Larry, Cindy and Maryann. Bill didn’t just build a family; he built a full roster.

Bill spent many years raising his family throughout Orange County, California, before eventually settling in Norco. His home became the kind of place where good food was always had, laughter filled the air, and you could find a roaming pack of grandchildren causing mischief. A place where gatherings created priceless and cherished memories.

In 2002, Bill retired to Goodman, Missouri. He lovingly referred to it as “Hillbilly Heaven.” He enjoyed living life at a slower pace in an environment that catered to all his likes and hobbies. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, cooking, and gardening. He found enjoyment in watching the wildlife that came through his yard. He even provided safe snacks like bird seed and salt licks to get them to stick around and become repeat visitors. However, he did have a well-known nemesis: armadillos, which he blamed for ruining his beautiful flower beds.

Bill was a simple man who appreciated the simple things in life. He enjoyed a tidy house, his hair perfectly coiffed, a fresh pot of coffee, a strong cocktail, a good meal, and the company of a good-looking woman. Country music was the soundtrack of his life, with Willie Nelson holding a permanent spot on his playlist. He savored every joy, big and small, and faced life with grit, humor, and a stubborn charm all his own.

His life, like many lives, included challenges, growth, and moments of redemption. But it was also filled with laughter, resilience, and a lifetime of unforgettable memories. Above all else, Bill’s greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. Bill leaves behind a legacy of hard work, tenacity, humor, a deep love for his family, and a presence that will live on forever in the hearts of all that knew and loved him.

Bill is survived by his children Jean Bray (Vern), Michael Weber (Lisa), Robert Weber (Susan), and William Weber Jr.; and by the families he shared with Barbara Atkinson, Mariann McNaughton, and Mary Baker.

He was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Ryan Weber (Gracie), Heather Perez (Steven), Cole Bray (Hannah), Leland Bray (Nickole), Jesse Gilbert, Shawna Heerschap (Kevin), Christopher Weber (Stephanie), Cameron Weber (Peyton), Cierra Roodhouse (Liam), and Chloe Pedone (Tyler), along with 21 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his bonus children, Curt Baker (Ramona), Larry Baker (Sandie), Cindy Hanvey (Ken), and Maryann Craig (Jimmy), along with fourteen bonus grandchildren: Eric, Tonya, Chelcie, Kenny Jr., Joely, Jackie, Kenny, Bobby, Shannon, Mitch, Brittney, Savannah, RaeLynn, Kristyn, and Cameron, and two bonus great-grandchildren.

Bill is further survived by his siblings Betty Jo Pojar, Janice Rutkowski, Patricia Soderman, Dorothy Weber, Thomas Weber, Mike Weber, Dave Weber, Daniel Weber, and Timothy Weber, as well as an abundance of nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Weber; his son Ronald Charles Weber; his infant daughter Patricia Jean Weber; bonus sons Kenny and Bobby Baker; sisters Peg Koening and Mary “Babe” Brandon; brothers James Weber and Joseph Weber; “Aunty” Elizabeth Bergman; and his beloved companion, Sandra Kay Andrews.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Neosho Event Center on March 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at the Springfield Veterans Memorial Cemetery on March 23rd at 10:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Bill in a way he would appreciate. Take a kid fishing, leave a snack out for the critters in your yard, or buy a drink for a pretty lady in honor of Bill. He would have liked that.