Donald E. "Don" Weder

Donald Erwin “Don” Weder, 79, of Highland, IL, born in Highland on August 18, 1947, went on to his reward Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home on Deck’s Prairie with his family by his side following a brief illness.

For the past 50 years, Don has led the Weder family’s manufacturing and agricultural businesses, including Highland Supply Corp., Seven W Enterprises, and others, remaining actively involved in day-to-day operations up until his passing.

Don was renowned for his inventiveness and intense interest in science, engineering, and medicine. In 2002, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded him the Thomas Edison Award for having passed Edison to become the most prolific American U.S. patent holder (over 1,400 patents). Much of his inventive energy was directed towards the floral packaging industry that is Highland Supply’s primary market, though he also developed technology and obtained patents in many other areas, including on water-based inks, adhesives, and coatings (aimed at minimizing health and environmental hazards associated with solvent-based products) and a magnetically suspended rotor for use in an artificial heart.

Aviation was another passion of Don’s. In 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded him the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, at which time Don held numerous fixed-wing ratings including multi-engine airline transport pilot (ATP) and various instructor ratings. Over the years, Don logged more than 8,000 hours as pilot in command, including over 4,000 hours in multi-engine turbine aircraft. Some of his fondest memories were made at altitude with his family, friends, and sometimes dogs, in the cabin (and often at the controls*) with him. (*Dogs excluded.)

Don was also proud of his service in the U.S. Army Reserves. Knowing he would pursue military service, Don began his own program of running and weight training in 1964 prior to ultimately enlisting in 1969. In boot camp at Fort Polk, LA, he had the highest PT scores in his company, ran a 4:54 mile, and was awarded by the cadre the “Trainee of the Cycle” trophy. He graduated from OCS at Fort Benning, GA, in 1972 with the highest PT and scholastic scores of his class and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant. He served much of his remaining time in the Reserves in Oklahoma (where he met his wife, Ann), ultimately being discharged as a Captain in Sept. 1978.

Prior to his enlistment, Don attended the University of Illinois (1965-1966) and Bradley University (1966-1969), graduating from Bradley summa cum laude and valedictorian with a B.S. in Business Management, specialties in Speech and Economics. Don graduated from Highland High School in 1965. While in high school, he excelled in band as first chair cornet, winning the first chair soloist position with the Illinois All-State Band in 1964 and 1965 and touring Europe with the Illinois All-State Band in 1964.

Over his career, Don served on numerous boards and trade organizations, including Society of American Florists (Director, Chairman SAF HQ Building Purchase & Rehab Cmte), American Floral Endowment (Trustee 13 years), First National Bank of Highland (1978-1994), and Florist Mutual (now Hortica) (Director approx. 20 years).

Building on his father Erwin H. Weder’s example and legacy of conservation and historical preservation, Don devoted substantial effort and resources throughout his lifetime to preserving and improving timberland, wildlife habitat, and historically significant properties.

He was also an avid marksman, whether shooting trap, clays, high powered rifles, or handguns. Many a happy hour was spent shooting or setting up and sighting in firearms with his father, sisters, children, grandchildren, and friends.

But more than any of that, he was devoted to his family and his friends. He taught his children to respect life in all its forms, think critically, value hard work, seek challenge, and be kind, generous, and humble.

Don is survived by his wife of 51 years (Phyllis Ann Weder (née Styron) of Highland, IL), four children (Erwin M. Weder (Christine) of Sand Springs, MT; Andrew S. Weder of Highland, IL; David A. Weder of St. Louis, MO & Annie M. Blackwell (Troy) of Highland, IL), nine grandchildren (MaryAnn Murray (Cord), Graham Weder (Kary), Emma Morrison (Matlock), August Kustermann, Deck Kustermann, Aden Worley, Adler Weder, John Blackwell, and Jasper Blackwell), his three sisters (Mary Kay Foley (Jim) of Belen, NM; Wanda M. Weder of Highland, IL; and Janet M. Weder of Redlands, CA)),and four great-grandchildren (Houston & Rawlins Murray and Ira & Katherine Weder). He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin H. Weder and Louise G. Weder, and sister Dona L. Abbott.

Visitation: Monday, September 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 29, 2026, 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Clergy: Pastor Matt Embry

Private burial services will be performed by the family on Deck’s Prairie.

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL