Henry "Hank" Weast

Henry “Hank” Lee Weast, 92, of Galesburg, passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Woodridge Supportive Living. Hank was born November 8, 1929 in Peoria, the son of Clifford Lee and Mary Magdalene “Lina” (Schaefer) Weast. He was a lifelong resident of rural Dahinda. Hank graduated from Williamsfield High School in 1947 and later served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953. He came back home after being stationed in Germany and married the love of his life, Adeline E. Collins on February 22, 1953, at First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg. Hank is survived by his loving wife of 69 years; a son, Stephen (Shahn) Weast of Maquon; a daughter, Susan (Donald) Stanley of Channelview, TX; two grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Hank then founded Weast Construction Co. Inc. in Dahinda in 1954 and worked as a contractor doing earth moving and field tile in the local area. In 1973, he changed the nature of the business from dirt work to Weast Sand and Gravel in Maquon, until he retired in 2000. When Hank retired, he turned the business over to his son until the business closed in 2019. Hank enjoyed fishing, camping, and square dancing with Adeline. His friends knew him to always wear a pocket watch. He was a member of Dahinda United Methodist Church, Williamsfield American Legion Post 371, Peoria Mohammed Shriners, Altona Masonic Lodge No. 33, and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 649. He was also a founding member of the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association (LICA) and was assistant scout master at Williamsfield Troop 221 in the 1960’s.  Hank bought horses so his daughter Susan could learn to ride while she was a child.  He taught her to work hard and made her repair her own fence. Cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.