Howard Jon Weyers

Howard J. Weyers, 84, of Okemos, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 in Lansing, Michigan. He was born March 29, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William and Eleanor (Reash) Weyers, and grew up in Greenville, PA before graduating from Thiel College. “Butch” was a 3-sport star at Greenville High and Thiel. His exploits at Thiel landed him the Thiel College Athletics Hall of Fame. While at Thiel, he met the love of his life, Kay, to whom he was married 57 years before her passing in 2013. We take solace in knowing that he and mom are in each other’s warm embrace again.

After graduation from Thiel, “the Hawk” began a football coaching career that spanned 2 decades, with stints at 3 high schools in Northeastern Ohio, and five universities—Rutgers, Columbia, Pitt, Miami (OH), and finally at Michigan State.

In 1979, Howard founded WEYCO INC in Okemos, MI, specializing in employee benefits administration. His team grew the business to some 225 employees under his direction. Howard ended his career as an acclaimed pioneer, advocate, and speaker regarding employee wellness programs. Those who knew Howard well know that his passions included an unsurpassed work ethic, attention to detail, physical fitness, and philanthropy—and “his people.” He loved his people. And always gave of himself to help others improve their lot in life. He will be fondly remembered by the townies in Greenville, the men from the Bottle Club at Thiel, the Mallory Men, his Spartans, and the WEYCO Crew, among others.

Howard supported so many causes and institutions they can’t all be named here, but some of those near and dear to his heart include, Greenville High, Thiel College, MSU, Starr Commonwealth Schools, Okemos Public Library, Cornell School, Sparrow Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Amyloidosis Foundation.

He was preceded in death by his wife, E. Kathleen Weyers, and his brother, Edwin (Bud) Weyers.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Howard "Jack" (Rebecca) Weyers, Jr. and Teah (Kirk) Bankes; his grandchildren, Merritt and Magritte Bankes, Willa, Presley, and Paxson Weyers; and his brothers, Ronald Weyers and Robert Weyers. We also extend our love and gratitude to Anne Lichliter for her years of devoted service and friendship to dad.

A Celebration of Howard’s life will be held a later date.

In honor of Howard, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (Great Lakes Chapter) and the Amyloidosis Foundation.