Francis M. Weist

Francis M. Weist, age 85, of New Philadelphia, passed away Friday, January 8, 2016.

Born February 4, 1930 in Camden, Ohio, Francis was the son of the late Louis and Blanche Weist.

Francis will be deeply missed by his wife of 41 years, Carolyn (McCartney) Weist. Francis is survived by daughters, Tracie (John) Smith of Dover, Tamie Weist of Canton; step-sons, Tom (Sharon) Northrop of Dover, and Tim (Linda) Northrop of New Philadelphia; and step-daughter, Trisha (Sebastian) Birceanu of Massillon. Francis is also survived by grandchildren, Amy and Andy Smith of Dover, Ryan (Lesley) Kopp of New Philadelphia and Randi (Dan) Garrison of Pennsylvania, and step-grandchildren Tom (Brittany Proper) Northrop and Joseph Northrop of New Philadelphia, Dawn (Chris) Ravine of Dover, and Erik (Michelle) Smith of Canal Fulton. Francis' family is completed by one great granddaughter and 11 step great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Carol (Charles) Mitchell of Eaton; brothers, Howard (Patty) Weist of New Paris, and Gail (Clemmie) Weist of Middletown; sisters-in-law, Joan Weist of Richmond, Indiana, and Cathy Weist of New Madison. Francis was preceded in death by his parents as well as sisters, Treva Kreider and Isabelle Harris and brothers, Kenneth, Ralph and Lowell Weist.
Francis proudly served in the US Navy aboard the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts from 1951-55. During this time they made an "around the world cruise" sailing through the Panama Canal and operating off of the coast of Korea.

Francis owned and operated NorWes Distributors for 38 years, retiring in 1998. He then worked part-time for Marlowe's Pharmacy from which he retired again in 2010 on his 80th birthday. Francis enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending many memorable vacations at Myrtle Beach and places around the world. Francis loved animals, particularly two special dogs, Kelly and Molly. He was an avid reader and enjoyed baking fresh bread for his family.

Francis was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ and a 50-year member of New Philadelphia Masonic Lodge #177. He joined Dover Moose Lodge #707 in 1974 where he served as Governor twice as well as Administrator and other offices. In 2015 he was honored with the Director General's Outstanding Achievement Award for his many years of selfless service. He was a member of the Tuscarawas Post #139 American Legion and a lifetime member of the Dover VFW.

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 11, 2016 at 2pm at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover with Pastor Dotty Hartzell officiating. The family will informally greet friends at the funeral home for an hour prior to the service. In keeping with his wishes, Francis will be cremated under the care and direction of the Toland Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Francis may do so by visiting the "obituaries & flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Donations may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ in Dover, the Tuscarawas County Humane Society or Community Hospice.