Robert Edwin Weathers

Robert Edwin Weathers March 4, 1928 - April 24, 2010 Robert Edwin Weathers of Waco passed away Saturday, April 24, 2010, at a local hospital. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 28, at First United Methodist Church of Waco with the Rev. Stephen Ramsdell officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Robert was born March 4, 1928, in Waco to Thomas and Bertie Weathers. He attended Waco schools and Baylor University. At age 11, Robert was an entrepreneur, but he didn't know it. He began at an early age as a caddy at the Waco Municipal Golf Course. As a result, he learned to play golf, and could listen and learn "The Art of the Deal". He's been self-supporting ever since. After high school, he sought work and adventure in Culver City, California, where his aunt was a costume designer for MGM studios. He returned to Waco and began what would be his professional career sales. First, it was appliances and real estate, then, in 1955, television advertising for station KANG, owned by LBJ. In 1956 Robert moved to WACO Radio. When legendary tough-guy owner, Lee Glasgow, asked him, "Son, where do you want to be in 20 years?" - Robert replied, "In your shoes." He moved from salesman to assistant manager, and in 1970, Robert became vice president and general manager. By 1977, he was the owner and president of WACO Broadcasting Corp. During this time he was also collecting vintage automobiles. He sold WACO twice before retiring in January 1988 at which time he was resoundingly roasted before a packed crowd at Ridgewood Country Club by the media, clergy, Texas Rangers, other local, state and national politicians, and fellow Lions. The Weathers Era brought more accolades and professional awards to WACO Radio than have been achieved before or since. His WACO team was noted for outstanding, on the spot news reporting and consistent community service. Robert served as a director of Texas Association of Broadcasters. In 1975 he lectured at Baylor's Oral Communications Department on Broadcast Management. During those years, Robert joined the Waco Founder Lions Club, and was president in 1974-1975. He was the president the first year that the Club was in their new location, across from Lions Park. He was proud of the fact that he was able to acquire the Lion out of the Wood Brothers building, now in the foyer of the Lions Den. Some years ago he was proud to have developed Indian Creek Estates in Hewitt and donated 32 acres to the City of Hewitt for a park on Hewitt Drive. Robert Weathers and Helen Raley Nash were married on December 16, 1989. During the 1990's, they traveled to far-flung destinations with two other couples, the Deans and Simpsons. Robert owned the land at Terlinqua on which archeologists from Big Bend National Park discovered a pre-historic Indian Rock Shelter. It is now recognized as a State Archeological Landmark protected under the Texas Antiquities Code. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marguerite; and brother, Tommy. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Waco; daughter, Sandra Helen Nash Delk and husband, Steven; grandchildren, Christopher Heathcott and Laura Heathcott; sister, Bettie Weathers Porter and husband, Howard; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Wandell Harden, Christopher Heathcott, Bruce Monroe, John Wesley Raley III, Ron Toups and Zach Toups. Honorary pallbearers are Dewey "Diz" Dean, Ron Hall, Goodson McKee, Bill Miller, Floyd Miller and Bill Swenson. Memorials may be made to Waco Founder Lions Club, 1716 N. 42 Street, Waco, TX 76710 or Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Drive, Waco, Tx 76708, both very important to Robert. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.