Wayne James Weaver

Wayne James Weaver, Gosport, joined his loving wife of 64 years, Jean, on June 30, 2022, with his children by his side — Jeff Weaver, Janie and Joe Miller — not grieving, but celebrating a life well lived.

Wayne made a difference in the lives he touched for 90 years. His generosity, kindness and unconditional love for his family defined the man he was. He took pride in helping others and serving his country during the Korean War. He was a man’s man, with a warm heart and a smile that lit up the room.

Wayne was the youngest of three children. He and his brothers, Bob and Fuzzy, were raised by their parents, Gilbert and Ruth (Harris) Weaver, on a farm in Paragon. They taught their children to be kind, community servants with the ability to show unconditional love. His brothers taught him how to be cunning and resourceful, stand up for what you believe in, never back down, to fill your plate on the first pass and drive like a bat out of hell.

He graduated from Bloomington High School in 1950, where he met his best friend and love of his life, Jean who proceeded him in death. He joined the army in 1951 and achieved the rank of corporal during the Korean War, with two tours, one in Korea and one in Labrador. He married Jean on Christmas Day in 1952, while on leave.

Upon retuning home, he went to work for IBM and began raising his family. Additionally, he supported his in-laws and was the father figure for his sister-in-law, Brenda Stevens. He ran his own electrical business to support his passion of restoring antique tractors and building racing go carts. He was quite the tinkerer and lived by the code if it is broke, it can be fixed. Although, he was a terrible plumber!

He retired from IBM in 1986 after 32 years and began the second chapter of his life story, spending 22 winters in Laughlin, Nev., with friends and family. No matter where they traveled, he loved Indiana and was always in a hurry to return home.

During his life of service, he was Worshipful Master of the Cloverdale Masonic Lodge, life member of the Cloverdale American Legion (ace bingo caller), Lions Club, VFW, Kiwanis, Cloverdale Volunteer Fireman, Boy Scout Council Member and Philmont Scout Ranch Chaperone, making three hikes with local scouts. He was a charter member of the Cloverdale Conservation Club and helped cut the archery trails. Member of the Gosport Baptist Church. During his spare time, he got his private pilot’s license, enjoyed HAM radio and remained an active member in the Owen County Tractor Club, always ready to parade one of his many restored tractors.

Wayne was blessed to have Jeff by his side during his later years to help care for Jean and finally to assist him to stay in his home. Jeff was not only a caring son but his best friend. Wayne was proud of his family and took comfort knowing he was loved and adored. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, his IBM coworkers, and the many friends and neighbors along his journey. His last days were spent at the Masonic Home, Compass Park, in Franklin being made comfortable by a team of amazing, loving health care workers.

We lost a good man, and are honored to call him our father, our friend and our North Star on how to live our lives. He really lived!

Per his wishes, we will be having a private graveside ceremony at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. If you were touched by Wayne and would like to honor him, please consider a contribution to the Indiana Masonic Home or Gosport VFW.

Services are entrusted to Chandler Funeral Home-Whitaker Chapel in Gosport. Share condolences, memories and more with Wayne’s family by visiting his tribute page at www.chandlerfh.com

Blessed are those who give meaning to our lives; holy and precious is the example they leave behind.

We pray:

May our sorrows diminish as we recall their strength. May their wisdom protect us and help us to live.

Let our grief be transformed into tenderness for those who are still with us.