Samuel Weaver

Reverend Samuel O. Weaver, 91, a resident of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Brunk House.

Samuel Weaver was born on February 22, 1934 in Lancaster, PA. He was the son of the late Martin Lloyd and Sara Stoner Oberholtzer Weaver. In 1948, Sam and his parents moved to Newport News, VA.

He graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School (Harrisonburg, VA). In 1954, he married Sarah Marie Alderfer (deceased). They were members of Warwick River Mennonite Church and Sam was chaplain of the young peoples group called Literary. From 1955 to 1957, Sam & Sarah lived in Dover, DE while Sam was in 1W Alternative Service as a milk tester. From 1957 to 1963, Sam worked for Colony Farms Dairy (Newport News, VA). In 1963, Sam (and family) moved to Rockingham County, VA to attend Eastern Mennonite College (EMC) and he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and Bible. From 1965 to 1975, Sam served as associate pastor at Lindale Mennonite Church in Edom, VA. In 1966, he was ordained as a minister at Warwick River Mennonite Church in Newport News on loan to Lindale Mennonite Church.

After college graduation, from 1966 to 1968, Sam worked as Dean of Men at EMC and as Virginia Mennonite Conference Youth Minister. From 1968 to 1969, Sam taught at Eastern Mennonite High School and was pastor of students while getting his Master’s Degree at James Madison College. From 1969 to 1981, he was principal of Eastern Mennonite High School. From 1981 to 1991, Sam was employed as executive secretary of Virginia Mennonite Conference where he worked with congregations in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky. From 1991 to retirement in 2012, he worked for Eastern Mennonite University and Seminary in development and church relations. Also during this time from 1996 to 2009, Sam was an Overseer of Northern District for Virginia Mennonite Conference. He was a member of Lindale Mennonite Church, Harrisonburg Rotary Club, AFP (Association of Fund Raising Professionals) and a life member of NEA (National Education Association).

Sam enjoyed visiting with family and friends! He enjoyed serving the Lord along with his wife, Sarah. He had a special place in his heart for Hebron Mennonite Church. His hobbies were golfing with family and friends, church work, and watching golf or football on TV.

Sam Weaver is survived by his daughters, Janet Fern Weaver and Doris Ann Weaver Leaman (Steve, deceased), and son, Michael Dale Weaver (Rachel). Five grandchildren: Michelle Leaman Richards (Ryland), Jonathan Leaman (Angela), Julie Weaver, Jenna Weaver Landis (Micaiah) and Jameson Weaver. Four great-grandchildren: Hannah Richards, David Richards, Evan Richards, and Sarah Sophia Leaman. Three foster great-grandchildren: Sheray, Ian and Hailey. Sisters-in-law Dorcas Alderfer Schaefer (Wally, deceased), and Kathryn Alderfer Baer (Nelson). He was preceded in death by sister Sara Jane Weaver Wenger (Chester, deceased) and brothers M. Lloyd Weaver, Jr. (Sarah, deceased) and Kenneth Weaver (June, deceased), foster brother Ronald David (Susan), sister-in-law Myrna Alderfer, and brothers-in-law Richard Alderfer (Lois Ziegler Alderfer Fisher) and Harold Alderfer (Elaine, deceased).

A memorial service will be conducted at 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 7 at Lindale Mennonite Church with Reverend Owen Burkholder and Pastor Arlen Vernava officiating. Visitation will be before the service at the church from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to VMRC Good Samaritan Fund and Compassion Endowment, 1501 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or Samuel O. and Sarah A. Weaver Scholarship Fund (Eastern Mennonite High School), 801 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, or Eastern Mennonite Seminary, 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.

McMullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.