Larry Dean Weber

Larry Dean Weber a lifelong member of Phillips County passed away September 27, 2021 in Kearney Nebraska at the age of 77.  Larry was born in Holyoke Co March 7, 1944 to Arthur and Berneice (Einspahr) Weber. Larry and his two sisters grew up on the family farm in Amherst.  He was an active 4-H and FFA member showing cattle at the local, state, and national level. His passion for everything agriculture began at a young age and was passed onto his entire family.

Larry attended school in Amherst including Amherst Public School and St. Paul’s Lutheran Parochial School until he transferred to Holyoke High School where he graduated in 1962.  He attended Northeastern Junior College and was a member of the Livestock Judging Team. Larry returned to run the family farm when his father passed away unexpectedly.

Larry married Sharon Kay Gilliland on December 26, 1965 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke. They had three children who all grew up on the family farm including Marc Dean in 1969, Marla Kay in 1970, and Monica Ann in 1976. The family continued the tradition of showing cattle and many family vacations were spent at the Colorado State Fair and National Western Stock Show.  This passion continues today as his grandchildren show at many shows around the country. One of his proudest moments was when his grandson Tyler won Grand Champion Steer at the Colorado State Fair in 2008, but in his mind his grandkids were always champions.

Larry was a farmer and rancher for more than 56 years still going to the farm to work on projects up until his death. Once Marc graduated from college, he and Larry formed a partnership continuing to farm and also were very successful in raising and selling show cattle around the country.  His recent proudest accomplishments with Marc were raising many champions which included the Reserve Grand Champion Steer at the National Western Stock Show in 2015, the Grand Champion Steer at the National Western Stock Show in 2016, many other state champions in Texas and Arizona and recently winning the Indiana State Fair in August of 2021.  

Larry was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst and also a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Larry was one of the first members of the Amherst Ag 4-H Club and later was a leader for the club when his children were members. Larry was a member of the American Hereford Association and the American Simmental Association. He was named outstanding Young Farmer in 1967. Larry was also a retired member of the Amherst Volunteer fire Department.

Larry and Sharon moved from the farm to Holyoke in 1994. Larry still continued to help Marc on the farm and help with calving season.  Larry was a huge supporter of the Phillips County Fair, the 4-H and FFA programs as he saw what these programs have done for the youth of our community. Larry and Sharon were Denver Bronco tickets holders and loved to cheer them on each week either in person or in their living room. He was also an avid supporter of Holyoke Dragon Athletics! He loved to cheer on his children and grandchildren and rarely missed a game. Some of his fondest moments were traveling to the State Basketball Tournament to cheer on the Dragons and his grandchildren.  His family was his pride and joy and loved to watch them in all of their activities. “Papa” as his grandchildren affectionately called him always loved to play jokes on them and share his lunch with them in the combine, tractor or truck. His love for his family was one of his greatest accomplishments.

Larry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon; three children, Marc, Marla and husband Kris; and Monica and husband Tim; seven grandchildren Tyler Camblin, Kaylee Camblin, Cash Weber, Colby Weber, Cruse Weber, Tenley Becker, and Maesa Becker all of Holyoke; sisters Elaine Pugh of Holyoke and Betty Schnitker of Witchita KS; Sister in Laws, Shirley Smidt of Cozad, NE, Karen Anderson of Greeley, CO; brother in law, Larry Gilliland of Loveland and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Berneice Weber;  Mother and Father In Law Fern and Vern Gilliland; Brothers in law, Al Anderson, LaDean Smidt, and Dick Schnitker; Sister in law, Sandra Gilliland and nephew Michael Schnitker.

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