Thursday October 24, 2019, we lost one of our own. A husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, dive instructor, mentor, friend, and Pete’s food giver. Grady Weston gained his wings, suddenly and unexpectedly. Born October 7, 1955, in Joplin Missouri, Grady went on to accomplish many great things. After graduating from Seneca High School in 1973, he attended Crowder College, before joining the U.S. Army in 1975 stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, KS.
On March 7, 1975, he married Deborah Drake. They had their sons Justin in 1977 and Jared in 1982. Grandchildren Shaye, Drake and Tucker. Great-grandson Kyng.
Grady became an owner of Ed’s Electric in 1983, where he was a Master Electrician. After getting SCUBA certified in 1989, his continuing SCUBA education led the Westons to open Extreme Sports SCUBA in 1997. In 2001 he became an instructor. He has logged well over 3,000 dives and made the trip to Cozumel, Mexico over 50 times plus many dives to multiple other tropical locations.
For those who knew Grady, he never liked to sit still. If he wasn’t busy working or diving, Grady could be found spreading his time between multiple organizations. He volunteered his time with the Seneca Fire Department and later with Redings Mill Fire Department. He served as an EMT with Newton County Ambulance District and was the Chief and board member of Newton County Rescue and Recovery. He was also involved with the Missouri Governor’s Mounted Guard and was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Red Coaters for 5 years.
Grady’s heart was for the children. If there was a child in need, he would pull money out of his own pocket to make sure that child was taken care of. For 10 years he was involved with the Charles Drake Memorial Rodeo which raised money for Children’s Miracle Network. Later he helped form Newton County Christmas for Kids. He was also a board member for the Trails for Kids organization which helps the fund the Cerebral Palsy Center in Webb City, MO.
We could all sit around and share stories that would have us smiling, laughing, and crying. We all have them no matter how long or short of a time span he was in your life. He always pushed you to be better whether it was diving, riding horses, or just in your everyday life.
Words cannot even begin to express how truly great this man was. If you needed him, he was there, no questions asked. And truthfully, there were those moments you never knew what he was about to say. He could catch you off guard faster than anyone. But the minute you were a friend, you were family. His circle of family was huge, and we will all greatly miss him.
And just remember… there are two types of divers. Those who pee in their wet suit and those who lie about it. If Grady was holding your hand while diving, chances are he was peeing.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 pm, Monday, October 28th at the Risen Ranch Cowboy Church located 10697 Cimarron Rd, Carthage, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, October 29th also at Risen Ranch Cowboy Church. Following the services the body will be taken for cremation. Arrangements under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.
In lieu of flowers the Weston family asks that memorial contributions can be made by bring a new unwrapped children’s toy or make a donation’s to Newton County Christmas for Kids in care of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home PO Box 380 Seneca, MO 64865 or at and Community Bank & Trust.
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