John Milton Weir, 70, of Oquawka, Illinois, died at 10:45 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.
John was born June 28, 1955 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of William R. and Jane (Bigger) Weir, Sr. While in high school, John began working at WMOI Radio in Monmouth, Illinois. He soon began working at WRAM and in 1974 began his career at KBUR/KGRS in Burlington. In 1988, John and a business partner purchased the radio stations and operated them until John purchased the stations outright in 1996. In 1999 John retired and sold the business to Clear Channel.
John is survived by his mother, Jane of Burlington; one sister, Peggy Williams of Macomb, Illinois; a niece, Martha Weir; and a nephew Neil Weir. Along with his father, John was preceded in death by one brother, William R. Weir, Jr. in 1996.
John worked at Weir Fruit Farm with his family on and off his entire life. As a youth he was a member of the 4-H Club and showed cattle. He loved living in Oquawka, boating on the Mississippi River, and spending many winters in Hawaii. John was a seasoned world traveler, visiting 5 different continents.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Oquawka. Private family graveside services will be at Biggsville Cemetery, Biggsville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to Biggsville United Presbyterian Church or South Henderson Church and Cemetery Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
