Johny Weyerts

Johny Weyerts, 88, of Alpine, TX, entered into the arms of our loving Savior on March 28, 2025. Born on May 1, 1936, Johny spent his formative years during World War II, a conflict that claimed his father's life when Johny was just 8 years old. As a young boy, Johny developed a passion for art and, before graduating high school, learned to stamp and tool leather at a saddle shop in San Angelo, TX.

After high school, Johny joined the rodeo circuit as a bareback and saddle bronc rider, traveling to Wyoming where he worked at the Grand Teton Ranch and competed in the Cody Stampede. Following a severe injury that included a punctured lung, seven broken ribs, and a damaged diaphragm, Johny decided that rodeo was not his calling. He returned to Texas, attended Sul Ross State College, and earned a degree in Industrial Technology. It was at Sul Ross that Johny met and married the love of his life, Charlsie. Their nearly 65-year marriage was a testament to their unwavering commitment and devotion, inspiring all who knew them.

Johny's love for art, music, language, wildlife, and teaching was well-known to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Above all, Johny loved the Lord and cherished people. He was always ready to help those in need, often seizing opportunities to speak or sing in Spanish. Johny enjoyed hosting the Spanish hour on KVLF radio in the 1960s. He began his teaching career in Spanish in Sanderson, TX, while continuing his studies at Sul Ross to earn a second degree in Spanish. Johny later taught Spanish and Industrial Arts in Alpine, El Paso, and Cody, Wyoming, where he also raised buffalo, reflecting his admiration for Native American culture.

After returning to Alpine, Johny continued teaching in public schools while managing a ranch, painting, sculpting, and tooling leather. He loved to play classical and flamenco guitar and faithfully got up every morning to practice. He also taught himself to engrave silver and if you knew Johny, you knew he was a perfectionist in everything he did. By 1993, he was teaching engraving classes at the corporate office of Glendo/GRS in Emporia, Kansas. Recognizing demand and a market for those wanting to learn the craft he founded the Weyerts School of Engraving. Students from all over attended his classes, and many people received his beautifully designed pieces, including guns, tooled leather belts, belt buckles, conchos, knives, etc. Johny's work was featured in numerous publications, including The Firearms Engravers Guild Journal, Rifle Magazine, Guns and Ammo Magazine, Farmer’s Friend, Shop Talk, and Tom Turpin’s book, Custom Firearms Engraving. In 2021, Johny published his book, Engraving Designs & Tips, a comprehensive collection of his designs and instructions, beautifully illustrated with photos of his exceptional work. He engraved for celebrities such as Tom Selleck, Larry Hagman, Johnny Cash, and Brad Johnson. In 2002, he was honored with the Engraver of the Year award at the Will Rogers Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Contemporary Cowboy Skills.

Johny maintained his wonderful sense of humor until his last breath. He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlsie; his daughters and sons-in-law, Jehny and Ross Miles, and Sharon and Ron Scoppa; his brother, Gene Weyerts and wife Carolyn; his sister, Sharon Hartley; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Alpine, Texas.