Robert Ray Weese (87) was welcomed into heaven by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and by his beloved wife Betty, on the 12th day of December, 2024.  Bob was born September 30th, 1937 to Clarence and Lucille Weese in Terre Haute, Indiana, both of whom preceded him in death.  Bob was also preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Betty. Bob is survived by his four children, Daniel (Julie) Weese of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Bryan (Kate) Weese of Indianapolis, Indiana, DeAnna (Paul) Fathauer of Sullivan, Indiana, and Nathan (Kathleen) Burress of Lanesville, Indiana.  He also leaves behind grandchildren Amber (Nathan) Coker, Autumn Weese (Mike Pendergrass), Sarah “Max” Weese, Abby Fathauer, Samuel Fathauer, Lauren Burress, Logan Burress, great-grandson Zander Hittson, and great-granddaughters Emmy Coker and Aurora Coker. He also leaves behind his precious dog Lucky, who is a very good boy.

Bob is also survived by his sister Susan Anderson, and was briefly survived by his sister Yvonne (Bob) Hulan (who passed on December 14, 2024).  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his two brothers Jimmy (Mae) Weese and Joe (Joyce) Weese. Upon marrying Betty in 1961, Bob acquired a “Florida Family” consisting of Betty’s sisters Helen (Cliff) Lamson and Gloria (Paul) Muenzmay, and brothers Charles (Lola) Bland, David (Ellie) Bland, Richard (Rose) Bland, Victor (Sylvia) Bland, William (Carole) Bland, Roger Bland, and Margie (Bland) Stilianou.

Bob never met a stranger and had a beautiful smile that engaged young and old alike. Known as a jokester, he was always the life of any gathering and up for a tale.  Over the years he had many friends, but a special couple to Bob and Betty were Steve and Nancy Stocker of Evansville. More recently he leaves behind special friends/neighbor Jerry Huff, Penny Howkinson, and caregivers Sheilah Gravens, Brittney Griffis Mathies and Judy Weathers.

Bob lived most of his life in Evansville, Indiana, with short stays in Jasonville and Mount Vernon. In 2007, Bob and Betty moved to Sullivan, Indiana where they resided until each of their passing.  Bob joined the Navy and was stationed in Green Cove Springs, Florida where he met Betty.  It is widely reported that his first words to her were “here, make yourself useful.” Despite this less than romantic beginning, she was smitten. In 1961, after returning to Evansville, Bob sent Betty a 1- way ticket to visit him. They were married shortly thereafter on his 24th birthday in September of 1961. Bob worked all of his adult life operating heavy equipment for homebuilders and (for a short time) a coal mining company.  First, for Jim Mueller on the West Side of Evansville, then Charlie Lawrence in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. There Bob was known as “Bobby Bulldozer” to the local children. Bob was a devoted provider for his family, braving the bitter cold of winter and heat of summer to supply their needs. A yearly trek was made to see Florida Family over the Christmas holiday. Bob once changed out the car’s transmission on the day we were leaving for Florida, and then drove through the night while everyone slept.  On those trips he often packed a few extra tools and various car parts just in case something happened on the road.

Bob’s interests were many and varied, and his knowledge of his favored subjects was vast. His special interests were guns and ammo, gardening, and cars. His first (and favorite) car was a grey 1955 Buick Century two door with a white hardtop (Model 40 Special).  His huge garden was his yearly gift to Betty and he shared his bounty with others. Betty especially loved the okra he grew for her.

If you knew Bob, then you knew he did everything overboard; like when he taped a box, or planted seeds, or used dish liquid to wash dishes, or put in concrete posts for a playset. He was generous to a fault and loved to give.  He always had a special treat to share with his kids and grandchildren – and to enjoy himself. His popcorn was a much-coveted snack by many and a staple in the house. Church attendance was a big part of his life and he attended Victory Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana and Sullivan First Christian Church in Sullivan Indiana.

Visitation will be held on Saturday afternoon, February 1st, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church in Sullivan, Indiana.  A Celebration of Life service will commence thereafter at 3:30 p.m., also at First Christian Church, with Pastor David Cox officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Sullivan County or to CASA of Sullivan County. Online condolences may be left at www.samaritanfunerals.com