1950
The Reverend Dr. Gary
2016
The Reverend Dr. Gary A. Weant
August 10, 1950 — April 29, 2016
The Reverend Dr. Gary A. Weant
1950-2016
Dallas – The Reverend Dr. Gary Alan Weant, 65, joined our heavenly Father peacefully on April 29, 2016 at the Robin Johnson House surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born in Salisbury on August 10, 1950 to Margaret Ella Stirewalt and the late Harvey Arthur Weant.
The Reverend Gary A. Weant has been pastor at Philadelphia Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dallas, North Carolina since 1976, following Ordination in 1976. He was also listed on the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He was a native of Rowan County, North Carolina where he graduated from South Rowan High School and a 1972 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, N.C. with an AB degree "magna cum laude" in mathematics. He received a M.Div. degree "cum laude" (Master of Divinity) from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C. in 1976 and completed the graduate STM degree (Master of Sacred Theology) from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1999. In the early 1980's, he helped in the formation of the Lutheran Support Group of Gaston, an organization that provided group homes for displaced and troubled youth. In 2001 Pastor Weant was awarded an honorary DD degree (Doctor of Divinity) and Citation for Outstanding Leadership by Lenoir-Rhyne University. In 2008, the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary selected Pastor Weant to receive the Alumni Association's John Benjamin Bedenbaugh Award for Distinguished Pastoral Leadership and in recognition of his instrumental work in drafting the resolution from the N.C. Lutheran Synod to the 2005 ELCA Church wide Assembly which served as a catalyst in bringing to fruition the ELCA "Book of Faith Initiative." In 2009 at the N.C. Lutheran Synod Assembly, Pastor Weant was elected to serve a four year term as the Secretary of the N.C. Lutheran Synod. Gary also was a vital part of starting the Supporting Faith Farm Group Home for homeless female veterans returning from active duty. He was the recipient of the Gaston County MLK Community Award in 2016 for his dedication and work with the Lutheran community in Dallas and Gaston County.
Gary exemplified integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of his life. He deeply loved his devoted wife Linda and their children. In recent years, he handled his health adversity with grace and honor, returning to the pulpit and rarely missing Sunday worship until the end. He taught by example, and his ministry is part of his legacy. Gary will invariably be remembered for his limitless capacity for friendship; his unselfish service to others; his tireless devotion to his congregation as well as the community he served during his lifetime.
Gary is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Morgan Weant; son, The Reverend Jonathan A. Weant and wife, The Reverend Laura Voelkert of Boone; daughter, The Reverend Rebekah Weant Costello and husband The Reverend Michael D. Costello of Maywood, IL; grandchildren, Andrew and Lydia Costello, and Bethany Weant; his mother, Margaret Weant Stirewalt; step-uncle, Roy Lee "R.L." Corl and wife Deborah; and sister-in-law, Diane Morgan.
Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, May 2nd from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. with a Tribute and Evening Prayer Service to follow at Philadelphia Lutheran Church.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 3rd at Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, North Carolina with Bishop Timothy M. Smith and Reverend Jonathan A. Weant officiating. Interment will follow at Philadelphia Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to his congregation and the many caregivers throughout his journey for their care and compassion for Gary.
Memorials may be made to Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, North Carolina 28034 or Gaston Area Lutheran Foundation, 449 Loray Farm Road, Dallas, North Carolina 28034.
Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.
1950-2016
Dallas – The Reverend Dr. Gary Alan Weant, 65, joined our heavenly Father peacefully on April 29, 2016 at the Robin Johnson House surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born in Salisbury on August 10, 1950 to Margaret Ella Stirewalt and the late Harvey Arthur Weant.
The Reverend Gary A. Weant has been pastor at Philadelphia Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dallas, North Carolina since 1976, following Ordination in 1976. He was also listed on the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He was a native of Rowan County, North Carolina where he graduated from South Rowan High School and a 1972 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, N.C. with an AB degree "magna cum laude" in mathematics. He received a M.Div. degree "cum laude" (Master of Divinity) from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Columbia, S.C. in 1976 and completed the graduate STM degree (Master of Sacred Theology) from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1999. In the early 1980's, he helped in the formation of the Lutheran Support Group of Gaston, an organization that provided group homes for displaced and troubled youth. In 2001 Pastor Weant was awarded an honorary DD degree (Doctor of Divinity) and Citation for Outstanding Leadership by Lenoir-Rhyne University. In 2008, the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary selected Pastor Weant to receive the Alumni Association's John Benjamin Bedenbaugh Award for Distinguished Pastoral Leadership and in recognition of his instrumental work in drafting the resolution from the N.C. Lutheran Synod to the 2005 ELCA Church wide Assembly which served as a catalyst in bringing to fruition the ELCA "Book of Faith Initiative." In 2009 at the N.C. Lutheran Synod Assembly, Pastor Weant was elected to serve a four year term as the Secretary of the N.C. Lutheran Synod. Gary also was a vital part of starting the Supporting Faith Farm Group Home for homeless female veterans returning from active duty. He was the recipient of the Gaston County MLK Community Award in 2016 for his dedication and work with the Lutheran community in Dallas and Gaston County.
Gary exemplified integrity and faithfulness in all aspects of his life. He deeply loved his devoted wife Linda and their children. In recent years, he handled his health adversity with grace and honor, returning to the pulpit and rarely missing Sunday worship until the end. He taught by example, and his ministry is part of his legacy. Gary will invariably be remembered for his limitless capacity for friendship; his unselfish service to others; his tireless devotion to his congregation as well as the community he served during his lifetime.
Gary is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Morgan Weant; son, The Reverend Jonathan A. Weant and wife, The Reverend Laura Voelkert of Boone; daughter, The Reverend Rebekah Weant Costello and husband The Reverend Michael D. Costello of Maywood, IL; grandchildren, Andrew and Lydia Costello, and Bethany Weant; his mother, Margaret Weant Stirewalt; step-uncle, Roy Lee "R.L." Corl and wife Deborah; and sister-in-law, Diane Morgan.
Visitation for family and friends will be Monday, May 2nd from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. with a Tribute and Evening Prayer Service to follow at Philadelphia Lutheran Church.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 3rd at Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, North Carolina with Bishop Timothy M. Smith and Reverend Jonathan A. Weant officiating. Interment will follow at Philadelphia Lutheran Church Cemetery.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to his congregation and the many caregivers throughout his journey for their care and compassion for Gary.
Memorials may be made to Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, North Carolina 28034 or Gaston Area Lutheran Foundation, 449 Loray Farm Road, Dallas, North Carolina 28034.
Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 704-864-5144 is serving the Family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of The Reverend Dr. Gary A. Weant, please visit our flower store.
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