- William (Bill) Eugene Weber (Gramps) was born along with his twin sister, Wilma, in Putman County, Ohio. Following his mother's death when he was 18 months old he and his sister were sent to live with his mother's parents as his father left to work in California. They later rejoined their father and his new wife. His father died in a work-related accident and his step-mother, who had two other children, placed Bill and Wilma with many different families over a period of four years. During this period the twins were separated but at the age of 12 they were reunited through the efforts of Jay and Mary Porter who eventually took up residence in Ashland, Ore.
In Ashland, Bill met M.C. Lininger who became a father figure to him. Bill began working for M.C. Lininger and Sons at the age of 14 and worked continuously full-time rising to project manager. He retired from the firm in 1982 at the age of 65. Many major and minor highways and roads throughout Oregon and northern California have Bill's signature on them; most notably the Siskiyou Boulevard through Ashland and the Siskiyou Pass at the Oregon and California boarder. Although retiring in 1982 he continued to serve the firm until 2004. Throughout his life he extensively served his community through his affiliation with the First Methodist Church, (where the young remember him as the candy man), his assignments to many city committees, Eastern Star, and additionally through numerous service organizations.
In 1941 he married his wife and longtime companion, Della Lamb, and the two of them enjoyed a life which centered on their family, church, friends, cruises, and Eastern Star activities.
Bill's passions included his family, church, reading, driving, spending time with his many friends, and tending to his roses. He was a very active member of the First Methodist Church of Ashland and gave an abundance of his time and resources to its needs and activities. With diminishing sight, Bill was forced to give up reading and driving and in 2004 decided to move closer to his daughter in Albany, Ore. where he resided at The Villas, an independent living facility. As was his nature; he continued to be active and of service to others by assisting the staff at The Villas with many of their duties and activities.
With his passing Bill will be truly missed by all who he came into contact with him as he was a most gracious, compassionate, and gentle man who continually gave of himself to others.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Della; his mother and father; and his twin sister, Wilma. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Miller (husband Bob); grandson, Sean Miller (wife Alexis); along with his great-grandson, Gavin Miller, all of Albany, Ore.
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1917 - 2013 (95 years)
