Weldon T. Weekley

Weldon was born of hearty Texas stock in Ennis, Texas on the 16th of October 1916, to Bertha, a Mother for all time, and John Martin Weekley, editor and publisher of the local newspaper. He was the youngest of three brothers, Clay, Cloma and Weldon.

During his childhood in this small North Texas farming community, he spent many early mornings delivering newspapers on his extensive delivery route. Weldon was active in many church activities. His Mom and Dad had him attending church functions as often as five times a week. Until his last days Weldon was able to recite scripture easily – a testament to his sharp mind and his parents’ strong Baptist influence.

Weldon graduated in 1933 as valedictorian of his high school class at the age of sixteen. He attended Baylor University on a scholarship where he majored in journalism and economics. He then went to Northwestern University in Chicago, also on a scholarship, where he received an MBA while working 30 hours a week as an intern. In Chicago he met his future wife Rosalie Maxine Steiner. They married in 1939 in Chicago, after which Weldon and Rosalie returned to Houston where he joined Humble Oil Company.

In 1941, Weldon entered WWII, as a Navy Ensign. He was discharged in 1945 as a Lieutenant Commander following two years at sea.

After the war, Weldon returned to Humble Oil where he specialized in advertising and marketing. In 1952, he and Jack Valenti formed their own advertising agency, Weekley and Valenti. In 1963, immediately after President Kennedy was assassinated, Valenti accompanied Johnson to Washington where he became special assistant to the President. The agency was subsequently renamed Weekley & Penny. The company grew into an award-winning Advertising Agency, serving local, regional, and national clients including Conoco and Friendswood Development Company. Weekley retired from the agency in 1981. In 1973, the American Advertising Federation awarded him the Silver Medal for distinguished service to advertising and to his community. In 2008 he was honored with their Living Legend Award.

As a dedicated Houstonian, he contributed his time and efforts to numerous important civic endeavors: President of the Houston Advertising Club, Bank Director, Elder at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Director of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Freedoms Task Force, and many others.

He and Rosalie were early members of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church where Weldon taught third grade Sunday School for many years. They were the major fundraisers for the current church sanctuary and were members for almost 50 years.

In later life, Weldon spent many enjoyable years traveling throughout the world with his extraordinary wife Rosalie. Summers were spent in their beloved mountain home in Crested Butte, Colorado, and when in Houston, often spent weekends at their farm in Brenham. Remaining very engaged during his retirement years, he oversaw a successful investment portfolio, pursued numerous charitable endeavors, and continued to inspire his family and friends.

There is an inscription above the entrance of the Weekley Family YMCA, dedicated by his sons in Weldon and Rosalie’s honor. It reads:

“May this building built in honor of a loving Mom and Dad

be a constant inspiration to develop and nurture A healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body

and promote faithful Service to family, community, and our nation, forever.“

While this inscription captures his character, a more profound reality was his deep and abiding affection and commitment to Rosalie, his beloved wife of 71 years, who passed away a few months before Weldon. They had the ideal marriage that was admired and recognized by their family and friends, and one to which all would aspire.

Upon Weldon’s passing, one friend remarked “I can say with complete confidence that I have never met anyone on this entire earth who has lived a better life or who has impacted my life in a more positive way.” And another, “Whether it was conversations about our faith, business, travel, or life experiences, I always came away the better for it.”

Weldon Weekley is survived by his three sons, Robert of Los Angeles, California, and his son Greg, son, Richard of Houston, his wife Meg, and their three children Richard, Alison Putnam, and Michael; and son, David of Houston, his wife Bonnie, and their three children Christopher, Robin Bruce, and James; three great grandchildren; and his incorrigible Sheltie Karmi.

The Weekley family would like to express their gratitude for Weldon’s dedicated and gracious caregivers: Dick Dominguez, Donald Rosember, Wendy Rosember, Lourdes Lezama and Monica Ayers.

The memorial service is to be conducted at half-past four o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 26th of May, in the Sanctuary of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive in Houston, where Rev. Dr. Dave Peterson, Senior Pastor, is to officiate.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to join the family for a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Weldon may be directed to The Weekley Family YMCA, 7003 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX, 77074; Faith in Practice, 7500 Beechnut Street, Suite 208, Houston, TX, 77074; or to the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2225 North Loop West, Houston, TX, 77008.