Franz Gail Weber passed away peacefully in his home on Oct. 20. Franz was born Feb. 23, 1941, in Bicknell, Utah, the third child of Herbert and Duella Weber.
When he was 12 years old, his dad sent him out to look after the sheep, telling him to “stay in front of that horse and behind the rifle.” Every summer, until he turned 17, he would head to the hills to watch over the herd. Franz developed a lifelong love of horses, hunting and the great outdoors.
The family moved to Green River, Utah, where Franz excelled at track and basketball. He also managed to get his four-year seminary pin and chain. His athletic ability allowed him to attend Carbon College in Price, Utah, to play basketball on a football scholarship! After college, Franz joined the Army National Guard before moving to Lyman.
In Lyman, Franz met Diane Rees in June of 1964. They were married a year later in the Manti, Utah, temple and celebrated their 52nd anniversary this year. Franz was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Franz worked a variety of jobs in welding and maintenance while supporting a young family. Franz and Diane had three children; Kathy, Jerry and Tifani. After brief stays at Mountain Fuel and FMC, Franz settled in at Church and Dwight, where he retired after 30 years.
Franz loved family, horses and coaching. He loved watching his grandkids play sports and participate in rodeo, and he was very proud of their academic achievements.
Franz enjoyed his horses — he loved going to horse sales, training and even chores, most days. All of his hard work with the horses paid off, as he took chariot teams to the Utah and Wyoming state championships and the world finals. He also served as the president of the Green River Basin Chariot Association.
His family will always remember Grandpa Franz’ shortcuts! On the way to various horse sales, races, family visits, etc., there was never a dirt-road that didn’t lead to their destination “faster.” “Looks like a Grandpa Franz’ shortcut” comes up a lot in our family travels.
Franz spent summers coaching in the Babe Ruth League (even spending time as the league president). He liked working with the boys even after his own son was no longer playing. He also got a kick out of hearing about what the boys were up to after he coached them.
Franz was preceded in death by son, Jerry Weber; brothes, LaCreed Weber and Harmond Weber; and brother-in-law, Ben Tattershall.
He is survived by his wife, Diane; daughters, Kathy (Jim) Hughes and Tifani (Travis) Gross; sister, Joyce Tattershall; and quite a few delightful grandchildren.
All in all, not too bad for an old sheepherder.
