Arnold “Arn” E. Weaver, 75, of Franklin, passed away October 31, 2017 at 3:15 am at home after a yearlong battle with cancer. 

Arn was born on December 15, 1941 in Ashland Township.  He was the third of six sons to the late W.R. (Wick) and Dorothy Ginnery Weaver. 

Arn graduated from Keystone High School in 1959 and went to work for the PA Game Commission.  He then moved to the state of California for a short time and upon arriving back to Pennsylvania he started working for Joy Manufacturing in Franklin.   Arn continued to work for Joy for 42 years until his retirement in 2006. 

Arn was instrumental in the development of modified softball while he was managing the Ashland team which was the first local team to win a state championship.  As a result of his lifelong dedication to the game, the Miller Sibley field was re-named the Arnold E Weaver Field in 2007.  He managed and coached numerous teams that won many league, state and national championships.  After Arn no longer played softball himself, he kept active by coaching several girls modified softball teams in the local area.  His love for the game and the people involved in the sport kept Arn coming back to maintain the fields for the upcoming games.  He treasured the friendships the game had given him.

Anyone who knew Arn knew his love for the outdoors.  He was a founding member of the Ashland Hunting Club and honorary member of the Heartbreak Hotel Rifle and Pistol Club in Knox.   Arn was one the early recipients of the Triple Trophy Award in PA, getting a turkey, bear and a buck in the same season.  As a result of living in California in 1963 he took a trip to hunt elk in Idaho and the rest is history.  Arn took many trips to Elk Meadows in Idaho, sharing his love of hunting with numerous other hunters for over 49 years.  I’m telling ya, he filled tags and helped out others at camp with scouting for elk.  Arn’s legacy lives on today in the heart of all the people he took with him on these trips to Idaho, Montana and Colorado.  

Arn was known to his family and friends as a jokester.  Every Christmas he made his famous cheese balls and homemade horseradish and was known for his cheese balls on a stick.  Arn was an avid writer, writing numerous poems.  He was the first to help his friends or strangers, in times of need but also taught them how to help themselves.   Arn always had an “Elkaholic” pen, calendar or flashlight with him and loved to brighten someone’s day with one.  

Upon his retirement Arn enjoyed spending time with his wife Judy in their boat on local lakes doing some fishing.   Together Judy and Arn raised a garden of vegetables and flowers to share with others.  The past few years Arn loved playing in local cornhole tournaments.   He was member of Franklin Moose Lodge 83, the Polish National Aliance, and the VFW of Franklin. 

Loved ones left to cherish Arn’s memory are his wife Judy Hines of Franklin; his daughter Crystal (Mike) Bowser of Knox, his two sons Dana Weaver of Franklin and Mike (Sue) Weaver Knox; his step daughters Mindy (Dan) Phillips of Franklin and Lisa Phillips of Cranberry.  Also surviving are Arn’s 4 brothers Dean Weaver of New Mexico, Gary (Cathy) Weaver of Knox, Denny (Vicki) Weaver of Cranberry and Dave (Deb) Weaver of Knox; his grandchildren: Miranda Weaver of Franklin, Dakota Adams of Franklin, Desiree Thompson of Meadville, Cole (Holly) Bowser of Shippenville, Lane Bowser of Shippenville, Briana Romany of Franklin and Rachel Weaver of Franklin; 4 great grandchildren Alaina, Aria, Memphis and Mahayla.  Numerous cousins including Chuck Weaver (who Arn called his cousin brother) and his wife Lori of Knox survive along with numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Along with his parents Arn was preceded in death by a brother Ron Weaver and his wife Bonda and a nephew Aaron Weaver.

Per Arn’s wishes there will be no viewing.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.  The McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home, Knox, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com to share memories and photos of Arn. 

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