Homer Ousley Jr., 79, North Manchester, met his wife Marcia at the Gates of Heaven on July 20, 2023.
The son of Homer and Lurannie Ousley Ousley Sr., Homer was born in Dock, Ky., on Feb. 4, 1944.
After graduating from Pierceton High School in 1963, Homer was volunteer drafted into the United States Army, where he spent two years in active service and four years in the reserves before being honorably discharged. He continued to support the military through his membership at the American Legion Post #286 in North Manchester. After serving his country, Homer attended Purdue University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science. A year later, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Animal Science. Homer always valued education and, in turn, set up a scholarship fund that helps students from Manchester Community Schools, Tippecanoe Valley Schools and Whitko Community Schools achieve higher education.
On Aug. 11, 1979, Homer married the love of his life, Marcia Kay Hines. The two created a beautiful life together for 38 years before she passed away on June 6, 2017. Homer and Marcia enjoyed attending church at Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God in Silver Lake, where they both were members. Homer also enjoyed serving on farming-related committees, fishing, attending farm shows and watching Purdue basketball and football. He was honored to be the recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award from Purdue University.
Homer began his career with Creighton Brothers in Warsaw in cow/calf operations before becoming the crop farm manager. He was in charge of 8,000 acres of cropland, 700 acres of forage and 1,200 acres of wooded land. Homer valued the conservation of natural resources and served on numerous community and agriculture boards. He volunteered with the Northern Tippecanoe River Watershed Board, Warsaw Community High School Ag Advisory Board, and was president of the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association. Homer also gave his time to the food pantries in North Manchester and Silver Lake as well as hospital patients.
The loving memory of Homer Ousley Jr. will be forever cherished by his brother, Jerry Ousley, Larwill; sister-in-law, Becky Ousley, Pierceton; brother-in-law, Brent Hines; nephews, Kevin (Pam) Ousley, Pierceton; and Rodney (Michelle) Ousley, Columbia City; niece, Lisa (Eric) Muffley, Warsaw; great-nieces and -nephews, Mariah (Austin) Bennett, Clay Ousley, Kylee Ousley, Emma Ousley, Breyanna (Job) Ousley-Lugo and Blake Ousley; and one great-great-nephew, Dustin Bennett. Homer was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcia Ousley; brother, Roy Ousley; and sister-in-law, Linda Sue Ousley.
Family and friends may call Monday, July 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 Ind. 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. at Gospel Hill Pentecostal Church of God, 303 S. Jefferson St., Silver Lake, with calling starting at 9 a.m. Pastor Justin Harshman will officiate. Burial will be at Akron IOOF Cemetery, S. CR 1075E, Akron.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Homer Ousley Jr., memorial contributions may be made to Marcia and Homer Ousley, Jr. Fund, c/o Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
The family of Homer Ousley Jr. has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com