Joe Ernest Weber died July 22, 2019 at Winchester Nursing Center at the age of 89.

Born June 14, 1930 in Dexter, son of the late Ernest R. Weber and Gladys Norman Weber, he married Joyce MacDonald on May 12, 1952.

He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Dexter, where he sang in the chancel choir and served as Finance Chair and in other positions within the church.

After attending Southeast Missouri State for 2 years, he entered the Air Force as a fighter pilot trainee and upon graduating flight and gunnery school he departed to Korea where he flew over 100 missions in the F-86 fighter jet. Upon returning stateside, he and his wife, Joyce MacDonald Weber, moved to Panama City, Florida, where he finished his service as a flight instructor at Tyndall Air Force Base.

After leaving the Air Force in 1955, Joe and Joyce returned to Dexter where he entered the family business with his father, Ernest, as a partner, and helped to operate and manage Weber’s Ben Franklin until 2018.

He served as President of the Citizens Bank of Dexter for 14 years.

He was always civic minded and served on the City Council in the 1960’s as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Airport Board. He was very proud of Dexter and was committed to promoting Dexter and making it a good place to live.

He served 16 years, from 2002-2018, as Dexter’s mayor.

Joe and Joyce and other Stoddard County residents were instrumental in recruiting members and formed a chapter of the Stoddard County ARC which today, provides services for the developmentally disabled. Joe and Joyce played an important role in working to pass a Senate Bill 40 measure in the county, which provides funding for services for citizens who are developmentally disabled. He served on that board and as its President for many years.

Mr. Weber is survived by his daughter, Beth, of Dexter, another daughter, Cynthia Chesser and husband, Scott Chesser of Dexter; two grandsons, Austin and Matthew Chesser, as well as a special friend, Ann Zoll, and other relatives and many friends. His wife Joyce, preceded him in death in 2003.

Friends may call at the First United Methodist Church in Dexter on Friday, July 26, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Funeral services will follow in the First United Methodist Church in Dexter at 2:00 p.m. with Rev Larry Lawman officiating.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.

Donations to the Stoddard County ARC and the First United Methodist Church may be made in lieu of flowers.