Gary Lee Weppler, 61, of Whipple, passed away at his home with his family present on Wednesday, February 15, 2012. He was born on June 18, 1950, in Marietta, to Harold and Dora Gerken Weppler. He was the eldest of four children. He was a 1968 graduate of Marietta High School, where he was active in FFA. Gary was a night stockman at Big Bear following graduation, and was married, with three children coming from this union. In the 1970s he owned and operated an Indian motorcycle dealership. He went on to become a professional truck driver for many years until an accident in 1981 prevented him from continuing in that profession. He was later employed at Marietta Industrial Enterprises. Most recently he worked at Silvesco, Inc., helping his daughter, Shelly, and her husband, Gene Paxton, with their business. Gary was a skilled mechanic and was able to fix almost anything from tractors and four wheelers to trucks and dozers. He especially enjoyed tractor pulling with his son, Scott. In his recent years Gary spent a lot of time camping and riding four wheelers in Ohio and West Virginia with his family and close friends. He was a past member of the Marietta Jaycees, and past commander of the Sons of the American Legion, as well as being an active officer in the state organization. He was a member of the Marietta FFA Alumni, Harmar Lodge #390 F&AM and the Marietta Shrine Club. He was a founding member and past president of the Washington County Antique Tractor and Equipment Club. He was a friend to many, known as Weppie, Driveshaft, Hero, and Trail Boss. Gary is survived by his father, Harold, his wife of 23 years, Beverly, two daughters, Sherry Wittekind (Tim) of Lowell, Shelly Paxton (Gene) of Waterford and son, Scott Weppler (Melissa) of Williamstown, WV, grandchildren, Lee Wittekind, Ryan (Sarrah) Paxton, Mandy, Chelsey and Cody Paxton and Kristianna, Taylor and Parker Weppler, brothers, Lynn Weppler (Chris) of Marietta, Randy Weppler (Cindy) of Bethany, WV, and sister, Dee Wetz (Tag) of Marietta and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dora, in December of 2011. The family would like to thank Dr. Kelli Cawley and Marietta Hospice for their care. The family wishes donations to be made to Peoples Bank, c/o benefit of Gary Weppler, to help with medical expenses. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012, at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thomas R. Hendershot officiating. Friends may call on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and anytime on Friday, where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. There will be Masonic services held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. His burial will be in Valley Cemetery.
