Kenneth G. Weaver, 83, Whitewood, died Sunday, June 8, 2008, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center. Following his wishes, his body has been cremated.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard. Family and friends may gather at Kinkade Funeral Chapel prior to leaving for the cemetery.

Kenneth was born June 20, 1924, in Gregory, SD, to Lloyd and Sylvia (Christensen) Weaver. He attended school in Wanblee through the 9th grade. Ken started working at age 13 breaking horses, farming, and ranching. He enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1946. Ken married Christine Rayner in Hattiesburg, MS, on August 12, 1944.

Following his discharge, the family resided in Mississippi until they moved to Philip, SD, where they operated a gas station. The family moved to Gordon, NE, and later to Bear Creek, south of Interior. They eventually settled at Wanblee where they ranched. They left the ranch in 1967 and moved to Edson, Alberta, Canada. In the late 70's, they moved to Newell, SD. The family owned and operated the hardware store and Mid Town Caf? as well as ranching until the early 90's when they moved to Whitewood.

During their retirement years, Ken and Chris wintered for many years in Old Mexico and more recently in Arizona.

Ken is survived by his daughter, Becky (Ray) Hansen, Spearfish; one brother, Pat (Monica) Weaver, Wanblee, SD; two grandsons, Scott (Carla) Crowser, Whitewood, and Brett (Melanie) Crowser, Tucson, AZ; three great-grandchildren, Troy, Colt, and Cassie Crowser; close friend, Ray Crowser; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Chris in 2004; and two sisters, Vera Amiotte and Shirley Niefer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Youth Rodeo.