Harley Roger Weyand
February 24, 1936 ~ March 1, 2026
Born in:
Carmine, Texas
Resided in:
New Braunfels, Texas
Harley Roger Weyand
February 24, 1936 – March 1, 2026
With heavy hearts and unwavering faith in God’s promises, we announce the passing of Harley Roger Weyand, a loving and devoted husband and father, a faithful Christian, and a servant of the Lord, who entered eternal rest on March 1, 2026 at the age of 90.
Harley was born on February 24, 1936 in Carmine, Texas to Nola (Mayer) and Wilhugh Weyand. After his family moved to Austin, Texas, he attended John B. Winn Elementary, University Junior High and Stephen F. Austin High School. He was confirmed at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church.
During his high school years, Harley worked hard, managing Watkins Grocery and later working at Ritter’s Grocery Store on Manor Road. Harley attended the University of Texas where he studied geology. It was during this time that he met the love of his life – Carol “April” Schauer who was attending nearby Concordia Lutheran College. The two were married on September 9, 1956, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Houston, beginning a beautiful marriage that would last 69 ½ years. Harley and April made their home in Houston, where they raised their three children, Darla, Daryl, and David. Together with his father-in-law, Fred Schauer, Harley operated a full-service gas station – one of the first Gulf stations in Houston. Through his work, he built lasting friendships and strong relationships with his customers. Despite the long hours, Harley always made his family his priority. He was deeply involved in his children’s lives, serving as an Indian Guide, Webelo, and Boy Scout leader. Harley and April took the kids on many family vacations, especially their cherished trips to Colorado where they took jeep rides through the mountains, always stopping to hunt for rocks and minerals. As their children grew older they accompanied them to many dances in the country. They also brought many of April’s students to their country home where Harley would give tractor rides, lead hikes, and share his love of the outdoors and country living. After retiring from the gas station business, Harley devoted himself to caring for his ailing father-in-law. He provided him with care and companionship by taking him on walks in his wheelchair to the grocery store and to visit friends. Harley and April eventually moved to their country home where April continued teaching school and together they opened a bed and breakfast. April would prepare breakfast each morning before heading off to teach while Harley welcomed and served their guests. He delighted visitors with his storytelling and deep knowledge of local history. Harley and April shared a love of travel and took many trips often accompanied by their beloved Aunt Nelda, and their mothers. They travelled throughout Europe but especially loved Germany where Harley had done extensive genealogy research. They travelled throughout the United States and abroad including cruises and trips to Bermuda, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean. Harley generously helped April with many school activities. He tutored students, read with them, and assisted with a Saturday Science Club. He volunteered for crosswalk duty so teachers could have time for planning, often wearing a different hat every day to the delight of the students. In recognition of his many volunteer efforts, the school dedicated its yearbook to him. After the passing of his mother and April’s retirement, they moved to New Braunfels to be near their daughter. Harley’s favorite activity was their annual father-daughter outing to the New Braunfels Friends of the Library Book Sale. In his later years, he loved going on drives, visiting little free libraries around town, and exploring thrift stores to add to his many collections. Harley lived life to the fullest and will always be known for his love of God, family, his sense of humor, his passion for reading and collecting (everything!), visiting with friends, his famous jumpsuits, his “taking off his thumb trick”, his whistling, and sharing his love of history with anyone who would listen. He always said if he could live his life over again, he wouldn’t change a thing.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Wilhugh and Nola Mayer Weyand. He is survived by his loving wife, April; his daughter Darla and her husband Paul Thompson, his sons, Daryl Weyand and David Weyand and his wife Sandra; his grandchildren, Collin Weyand and his wife Marikate; Jordan Weyand; Matthew Thompson; Abbey Weyand; and Luke Thompson; and his great grandchildren, Peter Weyand and Andrew Weyand. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, numerous cousins, as well as lifelong friends, Lloyd and Judy Matejowsky. As they did everything together, it was Harley and April’s heartfelt wish to be honored with a joint celebration of life at the appropriate time.
In keeping with their wishes, a private memorial will be held for Harley. To celebrate Harley’s love of reading, memorial contributions may be made to New Braunfels Friends of the Library, 700 E. Common St., New Braunfels, Texas, 78130. Please include “Harley Weyand” and a return address so the family may properly acknowledge and thank you for your kindness.
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