Jackson teen who died of brain cancer remembered

With praise for his faith, determination and courage, family, friends, coaches and even those who may not have known him attended a celebration of Nolan Weber's life, held at the Jackson High School Events Center on Wednesday evening.

Weber, 18, died Dec. 21 at his home in Jackson after a nearly three-year battle with brain cancer. The Jackson High School graduate was heavily involved in sports, including Paralympic table tennis.

The event also was a chance for the family to unveil the foundation Believing Beyond and for the announcement of plans to build a baseball field -- from contributions -- in Weber's honor called Believers Ball Park.

Believing Beyond's purpose is to provide financial, spiritual or emotional support to children and their families battling cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.

The foundation, according to information on display at the celebration, strives to make a difference in the lives of youths by providing scholarships, faith-based activities, improvements to religious, public and school-based facilities, plus grants or donations to medical facilities focused on finding a cure or improving treatments for children with brain cancer.

Part of the design of the foundation logo is a cross that appears to be in motion, because "it is our sincere hope that our foundation is alive and active, which is how Nolan was," his father, Dean Weber, said.

Nolan's mother, Rachelle Weber, said the idea for the celebration, which marked Nolan's 19th birthday, stemmed from a conversation between Nolan and his father about having a birthday party.

Dean and Rachelle said when God healed Nolan, they would have a party and invite the whole town, which is what occurred Wednesday, just not quite the way he envisioned.

Nolan was strong, faithful and courageous to the end, Dean Weber said. People didn't know how much Nolan suffered, because he never let it show, but nothing could hide his smile.

"Yes we are hurting; yes we cry every day; yes there is an enormous emptiness in our lives. ... We could live a thousand lifetimes and never make the impact this young man has," Dean Weber said.

Those who spoke also mentioned Nolan's desire not to let cancer define him.

"Nolan was with us and witnessed it," his father said of the celebration. "I think it went well, I do. I hope it went well," he added afterward.

Colten Weber, Nolan's 15-year-old brother, said the event showed what kind of person Nolan really was. He said it was emotional for him to watch the celebration, but not as bad as the funeral itself.

He said the last few months have been "really rough on my parents and I."

"I've had baseball to take my mind off things, but my parents being at home, it's been a lot harder for them," Colten said.

In one of many video tributes to Weber, Jordan Jeffers said Nolan was the best friend you could ever imagine. He was always smiling and never complained, even in his situation.

Jeffers said Weber visits him in his dreams and Jeffers gives him the "biggest hug ever. I wish I could do it for real."

Also speaking were Mike Marchi of the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, youth sports coach Mike Scott and Lucas Clabough, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Jackson. Music was provided by Josh Hensley, Tyler Myers, Dylan Schwartz and Connor McDowell, Christy Shinn and the Jackson High School choir, Keagan Cavanah and Connor McDowell.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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