Devar G Weekes

DeVar G Weekes 87 of Rexburg Idaho our beloved husband, dad and grandpa, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the Homestead Assisted Living Center in Rexburg, Idaho. DeVar was born February 10, 1937 on a blustery winter day in Lyman Idaho to George Lelen and Martha Lavon (Galbraith) Weekes. He was the youngest of ten children. He lived his younger years in Archer, attending Archer Elementary and Madison High School. He enjoyed helping on the family farm and with the cows. He loved picking huckleberries and looked forward to this annual family outing every year. This became an ongoing tradition for future generations. DeVar met the love of his life, Gwen Purser, on a blind date. They were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on February 5, 1954. They made their first home in Archer. During which time DeVar worked for his uncle in the potato warehouse. Throughout their lifetime they lived in Shelley, Salmon, Idaho Falls, and Rexburg. DeVar worked milking cows and various farming and ranching positions. In 2002, after 27 years as a paper cutter for Porters/Artco Printing, he retired to enjoy his family and yard. Their marriage of nearly 71 years was a model for their six kids and generations after. They have been blessed with 6 children, 27 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren, with two more on the way, and 24 great-great grandchildren.  DeVar was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He held various positions including serving as Executive Secretary in the Salem Ward in five Bishoprics and Secretary of the High Priests Group. He especially enjoyed opportunities to work with the youth, taking the boys on many pack trips and motorcycle outings. He also served several years as the Priesthood leader for girls’ camp. DeVar began temple work at a young age by doing hundreds of baptisms for the dead and continued serving as a temple ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg temples. He had a great love for horses and in earlier years enjoyed chariot racing with the Upper Valley Cutter Association. He and Gwen were fond of square dancing and attending cowboy poetry gatherings. Camping, rodeos, and huckleberring were an important part of family life and supporting kids, grandkids, and many other area youths in their activities.

He was proceeded in Death by his parents, Lelen and Martha, his eight sisters and one brother, Clea Briggs, Delpha Beck, Artella Schneiter, Eva Hubbard, Anita Peterson, Leah Andersen, Maxine Hope, Junior Weekes and Lillian Bell.  Three grandsons, Joseph, Lelen and Jace, and one great grandson, Wyatt.

He is survived by his wife Gwen, his six children, Rickie G. Weekes (Hootie Miller), of Havre Montana, Brenda Lee (Farrel) Downs, of Hamer, Idaho, Rodney D. (Shirley) Weekes, of Plano, Idaho, Brent L. Weekes (Laura) of Helena, Montana, Shawna (Boyd) Leonard, of Hamer, Idaho and SueAnn Messerli of Rexburg, Idaho. Family was everything to DeVar, immediate and extended family! In lieu of flowers donations may be made to “Champs Heart”, 2184 Channing Way, #252, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404 in memory of DeVar Weekes.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Salem LDS Church (3462 N. Salem Hwy, Rexburg, Idaho). The family will meet with friends Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Salem Church from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. and again Saturday prior to services from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Sutton Cemetery.