MILFORD - Thomas E. Weyant passed away on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford.
Tom was born on Jan. 28, 1932 in Dover to the late Winifred "Minnie" (Anderson) and Bertram Weyant.
While attending Dover High School, Tom worked at Sears & Roebuck in downtown Dover in the shoe department. Upon graduation from high school, he proudly served in the U. S. Army for two years and then returned to Sears where he retired after 22 years. He continued his service to his country by serving in the Army Reserves for forty years and retired with the rank of Master Sergeant (E9).
He became active in politics in the late 1950s and remained active for more than sixty years. In 1972, he was appointed by Levy Court as the first Director on Aging in Kent County, then served as the Director of Kent County Emergency Planning followed by his time as the Director of Kent County Department of Human Services. In 1999, Tom retired from County government and ran for the elected position of Kent County Register of Wills, a position he held for 12 years until his retirement in November 2011. During his lifetime, he served as Chairman for his legislative district and worked on the election campaigns of President Jimmy Carter, various
U. S. representatives and Congressmen, governors, local legislators in addition to campaigning for local school board members.
He volunteered with the American Cancer Society and hosted the Heart Radiothons for many years. He served on numerous boards and was someone who thrived on helping those in need. His philosophy on life was, "I shall pass through this world but once and any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Tom was active in many veterans' groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9962, the American Legion Post #2, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 1, and served as their service officer by providing assistance to numerous veterans, their children and their widows. He was a life-long member of Holy Cross Church, a member of The Samaritans of Holy Cross, a member of the Knights of Columbus Dover Council #4182, and was the Crisis Alleviation Social Worker where he addressed problems of an emergency nature for people who lacked food, shelter, clothing, fuel or employment.
Along with the late Father Lawrence Hunt, Tom was a co-founder of The Shepherd's Place, a homeless shelter in Dover. He helped initiate the Dr. Benjamin F. Burton Foundation, which honored an outstanding Kent Countian for his or her dedication and service to children. The Foundation also enabled needy children the opportunity to attend summer camp.
Tom originated the Kent County Youth in Government Day and organized the first home shopping program for the elderly and the first Tele-Ride Bus Service. He also started the Meals-on-Wheels Program in Kent County. He organized the Prison Fellowship Program and started new senior centers in Kent County.
Throughout the years, Tom had been recognized for his humanitarian services and social work by The American Legion (Meritorious Award), the Delaware State News (Good Neighbor Award), the Social Security Administration (the Department of Health and Human Services Outstanding Public Service Award), the Capital Grange (Community Citizen Award) and the Delaware Region of National Conference of Christians and Jews (Community Builder Award) to name a few.
Tom is survived by three sons, Michael Weyant and his wife Kathy of Dover, Jeffrey Weyant and his wife Karen of Shoemakersville, Pa., and Mark Weyant of Dover; two daughters, Jan Walls and her husband Dave of Dover and Jill Usilton and her husband Ron of Camden. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Matthew and Andrew Walls, Tonya McHenry, Spencer Weyant, Josh Usilton and Carlie Clay; 16 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Millie Ann Purcell; son, Robert; grandson, Eric Weyant; two sisters, Mattie Hanson and Rozella Ruczay; and daughter-in-law, Diana Weyant.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, followed by a Catholic Mass at noon at Holy Cross, 631 South State Street, Dover. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Shepherd's Place, 1362 South Governors Avenue, Dover, DE 19904.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Heritage of Dover (now known as Dover Place) and to the Delaware Veterans Home where Tom received excellent care. The entire staff at both facilities approached each resident with love, compassion, patience and respect. For this, we remain forever indebted to them.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.
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