Burton Dewey Weaver, Jr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Burton D. Weaver, Jr., a devoted husband and loving father, who passed away peacefully on May 18th, 2025, surrounded by family. Burton recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Burton was a proud lifetime resident of Flora, Louisiana, where he faithfully attended Weaver United Methodist Church, advocated for Louisiana State University, and made a lasting impact through his work with the LSU Foundation. Burton's passion for education, philanthropy, and community upliftment helped shape countless opportunities for students and faculty.

Burton graduated from Flora High School in 1953. After completing a Bachelor's in Business Administration at Northwestern State University, he joined the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego, California. He served many years in the Louisiana National Guard. While serving, Burton attended Louisiana State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. Burton spent his life in service to his family legacy as the general partner and forester of Weaver Brothers Land & Timber Company.

As a member of the Flora/Natchitoches community, Burton served in many leadership roles at the Weaver United Methodist Church, the Natchitoches Parish Jaycees, as President of the Natchitoches Parish Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Tourist Commission of Natchitoches, a Member of the Executive Board of Exchange Bank, a founding board member for the Natchitoches Academy, Inc., a board member for St. Mary's School, and a 40-year member of the Natchitoches Parish Library Board, serving as president for many years. Most notably, Burton was an early member of the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis, and served as Captain of the ball. He was one of the earliest to be named King of the St. Denis Art League.

In service to Louisiana State University, Burton was a member of the LSU Alumni Association and the Tiger Athletic Foundation. He was a long-time member of the Executive Board of the LSU Foundation, serving as President for two years.

In service to the state of Louisiana, Burton served the Louisiana Forestry Association, the Louisiana Jaycees, and the Louisiana Alliance for Good Government. He also served as a member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and was an officer on the Public Affairs Research Council, serving as President for 2 years. He also served in earlier days on the Democratic State Central Committee of Louisiana. Burton leaves behind a legacy of public service and dedication to his community.

Burton was, most of all, a quintessential gentleman. He was authentic, sincere, and first class in every way. A close friend once said that Burton was "completely without guile." He treated everyone he encountered with decency and respect, regardless of their station. An outside observer would see an ordinary life, made extraordinary by his incredible kindness, ability to listen, and interest in other people's lives, stories, and the human experience. He was one of the kindest people anyone ever met and was a devoted Christian of great faith.

Burton is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sue Weaver. He leaves behind four children: Lois Patterson (James), Laurel Jones (Tom), Burton Weaver, III, and Boone Weaver, each of whom carries forward his legacy and that of the Weaver Family. He also leaves behind three stepchildren, Susannah Craig (Stewart), Margaret Milam (Jason), and Marston Fowler (Jennifer), eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren throughout Louisiana, Arkansas, and California.

Burton is preceded in death by his late wife, Jerri Roberts, and his parents, Burton and Lois Weaver.

The family is very grateful for the care and concern of The Hospice of Natchitoches and, more recently, The Hospice of Baton Rouge. They also appreciate the dedication of many caregivers in the Natchitoches area.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Burton's memory to Weaver United Methodist Church in Flora, Louisiana, or The Hospice of Baton Rouge.

Visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, May 22nd at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, Louisiana. On Friday, May 23rd, visitation will continue at Weaver United Methodist Church in Flora, Louisiana beginning at 10am, with services to follow starting at 11am.  He will be laid to rest at Weaver Cemetery in Flora, LA.