Edward Ford Weber

Edward Ford Weber died on February 27, 2023 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Ed was born in Toledo on July 26, 1931 to Ford R. and Elenore J. Weber. He grew up in Toledo's Old West End and graduated from Scott High School. He earned degrees in mathematics and music from Denison University, where he was Phi Beta Kappa, captain of the men’s tennis team, and president of his fraternity Beta Theta Pi.

After graduation from Harvard Law School, he married Alice Hammerstrom, his wife of nearly 66 years, and served two years in the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; there he was assigned to the Judge Advocate as a lawyer in the legal assistance office. Following his military service, he returned to Toledo and practiced law at Marshall Melhorn (then known as Marshall, Melhorn, Bloch & Belt). In addition to practicing law, Ed taught trusts and estates at the College of Law, University of Toledo for twelve years.

In 1980, Ed took a leave of absence from Marshall Melhorn to run for United States Congress. He won election to Congress after defeating the 26-year incumbent Thomas Ludlow “Lud” Ashley and he represented Ohio's 9th District for one term. Ed greatly appreciated the diligent efforts of everyone who worked on his campaigns, especially campaign chairman Don Keune (deceased) and campaign treasurer Reeve Kelsey (now a retired judge). In 1982 Ed was defeated by Marcy Kaptur. Ed held great respect for Representative Kaptur’s passion and dedication to serving the people of the 9th District.

Following his service in Congress, Ed returned to practice at Marshall Melhorn. In 1990, he and Robert Sterling founded the law firm Weber & Sterling.

Ed’s strong belief in serving the community was reflected in numerous volunteer activities. For thirteen years he was Scoutmaster of an inner-city Scout troop at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church and served as a District Chairman and Council Commissioner to The Boy Scouts. Ed’s commitment to YMCA Storer Camps developed and strengthened while he was a camper, counselor and eventually a member and chairman of the governing board. During his later years, Ed tutored inner city first graders at Pickett Elementary School.

Ed served as a trustee of The Toledo Museum of Art, the University of Chicago Divinity School, the YMCA of Greater Toledo, the Toledo Red Cross, the Miniger Foundation and the Landman-Goldman Foundation.

Ed and Alice enjoyed sailing and backpacking and relaxing at their second home situated on a bluff overlooking the Georgian Bay in Ontario. They enjoyed the peace, beauty and serenity of rural Ontario, and together they formed enduring friendships.

Ed played the clarinet, piano and trombone. He was a long-standing member of the Maumee Community Band, the Torch Club of Toledo, the Wednesday Nooners at The Toledo Club, and Ashland Church and its choir.

Ed composed music and lyrics, including the musical One Solitary Life and the processional march at his daughter’s wedding. Ed’s appreciation of music included attending the Toledo and Detroit symphonies and concerts at the University of Michigan.

Ed is survived by his wife Alice; his three children, Elenore Weber, Ford Weber (Cyndy), and Mary Due (Alex); six grandchildren, Natalie, Jennifer, Sarah, Emily, Preston and Lizzy; and great-granddaughter Lucy. The family thanks the staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their competent and compassionate care of Ed during his last days.

Family and friends will be greeted at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue on Friday, March 24, 12pm-7pm. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be made to the Toledo Public Schools Foundation, 1609 N. Summit Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604 or the Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe Street, Toledo, Ohio 43620.