Russell "Russ" Eugene Weachter, 73, of Akron, went peacefully to his final home Friday, May 31 surrounded by his family.
He was under hospice care when he lost the battle with heart disease and diabetes.
Born in Rothsville, he was the son of the late Howard S. and Gladys Ehrhart Weachter. He was married to Phyllis Marie (Foltz) Weachter in April of 1960 at Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Rothsville. They were married 53 years.
Russell was a retired crane operator, employed 25 years at High Steel Structures, Inc., Lancaster. He received a service award in 1999. Prior to that, he worked at the former Miller Hess Shoe Company for 25 years. Russell was a member of the United Methodist Community Church of Oregon. He played slow-pitch baseball with various teams in Ephrata and Lititz and played against the famous King and His Court. He went to state championship at Williamsport with Hilltop Inn, Ephrata. He also played basketball in Ephrata and Lititz, playing against the Harlem Magicians. He was also a pitcher for High Steel slow-pitch.
In the past, he was an avid trapper with his son Greg. He also loved to go to public sales. He was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan. Russ and his wife Phyllis had an outside stand at Green Dragon, Old Mill Flea Market (Roots) and Leesport Farmers Market for 15 years. He loved swimming and summer picnics with his family even after losing a leg to diabetes.
Russell is survived by his wife: Phyllis; his son: Gregory S. Weachter, husband of Karen of East Petersburg; and one grandson: Derek S. Weachter. He is deeply missed by a sister: Darlene Steely; and Vernon Steely of Mt. Airy; two brothers: Howard S. Weachter and wife Darlene of Lititz and Dennis Lee Weachter and wife Patricia of Lititz as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the nurses and staff at Fairmount Homes who went above and beyond their care of Russ until his loving son Greg made his wish come true to come home.
Private inurnment will be at the convenience of the family.
If desired, memorial contributions in memory of Russ, may be made to the United Methodist Church of Oregon, RD #3, Lititz, PA 17543.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.