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Jerry Len Weakley residing in Salem, Oregon, passed away on May 21st, 2021 at home. He was 84 years old, born March 23, 1937 at home in Tipton, Indiana to Ralph and Nellie Andrews Weakley.
He attended Tipton public schools, graduating from high school in 1955. He attended Jordon Conservatory of Music in Indianapolis for one year and then enlisted in the United States Navy on July 5, 1956 as a Navy Musician. He went to Bainbridge, Maryland for basic training and the Navy School of Music. He stayed on active duty until December 1964 traveling the world playing music, and then went into the Naval Reserve, retiring as a SCPO E8 in 1977.
After retiring from active duty in the Navy, Jerry attended Indiana University School of Music graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor’s of Music Education. He then went on to attend Morehead State University in Kentucky in 1968 where he graduated with a Master’s of Music Education.
His professional career started at Mount Vernon High School in Fortville, Indiana in 1969. He then headed west to teach at Lompoc Senior High School from 1971 to 1981 in Lompoc, California. He finished out his teaching career at Garey High School in Pomona, California. Over the course of his career, every year his bands entered and won competitions and took the highest rating of superior at music festivals. Jerry retired from teaching in 2004 and moved to Salem, Oregon along with his wife Bonnie Weakley. In 2016, Garey High School honored him by dedicating and renaming the music building the Jerry Len Weakley Viking Hall. His love of music and his students is evidenced by the outpouring of love he’s received over the years from his former students.
Jerry and Bonnie were married April 3, 1960, in San Anselmo, California. Jerry is survived by his wife Bonnie Weakley; four children, Robin Brennan (Keven) of Burbank, CA, Scott Weakley (Laura) of Centennial, CO, Margaret Leight (James) of Torrance, CA, Todd Weakley (Dong Mei) Camas, WA; and eight grandchildren: Riley, Flynn, Jackson, Lucy Nell, Samuel, Sarah, Andrew, and Catherine; and Rocky his beloved dog. He will be greatly missed by his family.
The service will be held June 5, 2021 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Salem, Oregon. Military Honors will follow immediately at 12:00pm. There will be an online Celebration of Life at a date to be announced.
Please consider a donation to your food bank of your choice in honor of Jerry.
Memorial Service
June 5, 2021 at 11:00am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
4550 Lone Oak Rd SE, Salem, OR 97302
Military Honors 12:00pm.
Check back for updates for an online Celebration of Life to be held at a later date
My sincerest condolences to the Weakley family. Mr. Weakley and Mrs. Weakley played a significant role in my adolescence as a Garey High School music student. Mr. Weakley provided opportunities for growth, learning, and life-long lessons that I always remember and am deeply thankful for.
Jerry was a blessing to us all. Sending condolences to Bonnie and family. Jerry will always be remembered for his music and love of life.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Weakley family. Jerry was a great friend and we had many great times together. Fair winds and following seas from one shipmate to another. Until we meet again.
Thinking of you. Thankful to have had you 4+ years directing us to be better. A great leader, advisor, and friend. Not really gone as he gave a part to all of us. Lompoc class 77
My thoughts are with so many others who morn with his passing.
Jerry, thank you for your selfless sharing of your gifts of music and life.
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Weakley family. Sending prayers to each of you. We are sad for your loss.
My condolences to Bonnie and the rest of the Weakley family. Your dad was absolutely special and he will be dearly missed. I’ll never forget all that he taught me. Thank you for lending him to us. Sending so much love during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. Mr Weakley's passion & dedication to music laid a strong foundation for Robin, who is a wonderful musician herself. Mr Weakley left behind an amazing legacy. I have the great honor of knowing his two daughters. We are all blessed that he walked among us.
To the Weakley Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Sending hugs to you Ms Bonnie from Vancouver, WA.
Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his arrangements.