John Franklin Weeden passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at the age of 85 surrounded by his loving family at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. He was born October 30, 1940, in Union County to the late John Leslie Weeden, the late Alma McMillen Weeden (who passed away when he was six months old), and the late Mildred Berryhill Weeden.

John was a 1959 graduate of Ingomar Attendance Center. After graduating from high school he joined the Mississippi National Guard where he served for six years, including the “Battle of Oxford”, while achieving the rank of Sergeant. He attended Northeast Mississippi Community College after which he attended the University of Mississippi where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Science. He later received a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Mississippi State University.

John taught science at Ingomar Attendance Center for three years, later becoming principal where he served for 29 years. He retired in 1999 and then served as Superintendent of Union County Schools for 4 years. He was a former board member of Northeast Mississippi Community College and the Mississippi ETV board. He was a founding member of the Ingomar Water Association and served for over 50 years as a board member and operator. He was also one of the founding members of the Ingomar Lions Club. He was a former deacon and chairman of the deacon board at Ingomar Baptist Church. He was a Master Mason of Pontotoc Lodge 81 with 60 sixty years of service.

He is survived by his wife Ivy Jean Littlejohn, whom he was happily married to for 63 years; his three children, John Mark Weeden (Carla) of Tupelo, Jorja Dawn Weeden of New Harmony, Jenny Lee Weeden Byrd (Jason) of Oxford; three grandchildren John Luke Weeden (Kelly) of Huntsville, AL, Ross Allen Weeden (Olivia) of Nashville, TN, Nora Kate Byrd Oxford, MS; two great grandchildren John Rhodes Weeden Huntsville, AL, Walter Franklin Weeden Nashville, TN; one brother Dr. Carl Weeden (Glynda) of Corinth; two sisters-in-law JoeAnn Weeden and Sara Weeden both of New Albany; two aunts Elizabeth (Lib) McMillen and Brenda Berryhill both of New Albany; and cousin Tommy McMillen (Louise) of New Albany.

In addition to his father and mothers, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, James Elvis Weeden and Gerald Weeden.

Pallbearers will be John Luke Weeden, Ross Allen Weeden, Jason Byrd, and nephews Bradley Littlejohn, Dr. Mike Weeden, Ken Weeden, Terry Weeden, Jerry Weeden, and Jason Weeden.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Ingomar Baptist Church, Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS, or Samaritan’s Purse.

Services to honor his life will be Wednesday at 11:00 am at Ingomar Baptist Church and

Dr. Carl Weeden, John Mark Weeden, Dr. Terry Cutrer, and Dr. Thomas Magers II will officiate. Graveside service will follow at New Harmony Cemetery, with Bro. Johnny Thompson officiating. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm also at Ingomar Baptist Church.