BOURBON – James Eugene Weakly, 87, of 600 W. Liberty Ave., Bourbon, died at 10:25 p.m. May 19, 2012, in his residence after a four-month illness.
He was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Bourbon, to Delbert and Pauline Sharpe Weakly. On Jan. 1, 1948, in Plymouth, he married Carolyn Rose Rullman, who died March 28, 2004, after a precious 56 years of marriage.
He graduated from Bourbon High School. Uncle Sam served him a slice of life via World War II from March 23, 1943, to Oct. 13, 1945. He served with the 61st Engineering Battle Battalion operating a portable water purification unit and as a supply clerk. He was in the Battle of the Bulge. After his military service he attended and graduated from the Indiana School of Business. This degree allowed him to work at Bendix Corp., South Bend. On Jan. 1, 1981, he retired after 30 years of service.
He and Carolyn attended Bourbon First United Methodist, where they were extremely active in their younger years. He was a lay minister for the church, as well as being involved in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts as a Scout leader. He was a member of American Legion Post 424.
He was a lover of the sciences. He spent many hours staring at the stars in wonder. In November 1984, a wet, bone-chilling month, he, Carolyn, daughter Lydia and granddaughters Megan and Courtney viewed the misty coin-sized disc of Halley’s comet above and to the right of the diamond-studded Pleides. He was also engaged in all things technology. He loved to try out the latest computer and gadgets. He also loved researching family lineage and history, especially with his son, Delbert. He was witty and loved to laugh with each and every one of his family members.
He would say, “This life has been filled with clouds then sunshine; storms then stars and no regrets.”
Surviving are a son, Delbert, Bourbon; daughters: Ann (and spouse James) Auer, Milford, and Lydia (and spouse Dan) Wiseley, Nappanee; four granddaughters: Megan (and spouse Troy) Miller, Courtney (and spouse Gary) Wareham, Jacki Wiseley and Ashley (and spouse John) Meulink; eight great-grandchildren: Steven Stouder; Tyler, Jaylin and Trevor Miller; Shelby Wagoner; and Kalifornia, Nevada and Colorado Wareham; a sister, Frances (and spouse Vachael) Davis, South Bend; and a brother, Max (and spouse Margaret) Weakly, Bourbon. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon, with Pastor Mike Beezley officiating. Burial will be in Parks Cemetery, Bourbon.
Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to Marshall County Center for Hospice or to the Clunette United Methodist Church.
