Weldon Maness

SFC (RET) Weldon Maness Weldon Maness went home to be with his Lord at 5:20 P.M. July 4, 2009 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center of Rolla, Missouri at the age of 76 years, 9 months and 18 days. Weldon, son of the late Clyde Lewis Maness and Effie (Gathings) Maness Haney, was born September 16, 1932 in Scotts Hill, Tennessee where he grew up and attended school. In 1953, Weldon was drafted into the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement after 23 ½ years of service. He served two tours in Korea and Vietnam each and was awarded several awards and commendations; some of which include: National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Overseas Service Bars (2), Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Meritorious Unit Commendation (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, R.O.K. Presidential Unit Citation, along with several awards and commendations. On August 24, 1952, Weldon was united in marriage to Shirley Hockaday in Pickett, Arkansas. They shared over 56 years of marriage together and were blessed with a beautiful family. After retiring from the military, Weldon was able to do things that he enjoyed. He loved old cars and horses. He especially liked spending time with friends and he never met a stranger. He always made everyone feel like you were his best friend, even if you had just met him. Most importantly, he treasured those times spent with his family and friends. As an adult, Weldon accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized by Rev. Norman Sanders at the Independence Baptist Church. He was currently a member of Berean Baptist Church and attended every time he was able. Weldon will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife, Shirley of the home; four daughters: Debra (Joe) Valunas of Laceyville, PA; Judy (David) Heath of Vero Beach, Fl; Cathy Shoun of Cedar Rapids, IA; Angela Bell of Chicago, IL; two sons: James (Cheryl) Maness of Lebanon, MO and Daniel French of Crocker, MO; one brother: Hollis (Peggy) Maness of Benton Harbor, MI; four sisters: Juanita (Roger) Williamson of Oxford, AL; Ailene Morris and Brenda Stegall of Jackson, TN and Norma Kitchen of Henderson, TN; 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Weldon was preceded in death by one daughter: Melissa; one brother: C.L. Maness and one sister: Melba Butler. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 9, 2009 in the Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Richland with Rev. Scott Chastain officiating. Recorded music selections included "Grandpa", "Go Rest High On That Mountain" and "In The Garden". Serving as escorts were the Grandchildren of Mr. Maness. Burial followed in the Berean Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Army, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel and Crematory of Richland. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Berean Cemetery Fund in memory of Weldon Maness. Donations can be made at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Richland.

Weldon Maness

September 16, 1932 - July 4, 2009