Johnnie Ray “John” Weilbaker, age 84, of West Lafayette, Indiana, passed away on July 26, 2023. He was born on July 8, 1939, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the late Johnnie Ray Weilbaker and Glenna (Stiver) Weilbaker. John was a loving husband to Marilyn (Berryhill) Weilbaker for 64 wonderful years. John had a zest forContinue Reading
Natalie Rogers
left a message on September 15, 2023:
I love you so much grandpa.
Alan K Albrecht
left a message on August 5, 2023:
John was a role model and mentor to many PDT members who marched in his footsteps. His dedication to the team lasted more than 60 years. Bop, Cadence, Bop...
Wayne Henderson
left a message on August 4, 2023:
John first earned my respect as a fellow member of the Purdue Drill Team. Two years my senior, he was a seasoned veteran and role model of loyalty, dedication and "leading by example" through his work ethic---both as a marcher and as an officer of the team. He also had a wicked sense of humor which he used effectively to get us all relaxed and loosened up before we hit the drill deck for competition drill meets.
My respect eventually grew into love for the man as we reconnected many years later in life at Drill Team reunions. He was honest and totally authentic; 'generous and caring; and, yes, still playful and humorous! It was uplifting to be in his presence, even if only for a long weekend every few years.
And thank you, Marilyn, for your generosity and warmth in welcoming us PDT reunion attendees into your home for our "farewell" brunches before we all returned to our own homes. You and John gave us the opportunity to renew and deepen friendships; and you both truly made us feel like part of your own family.
Jery Kinyon
left a message on August 3, 2023:
When a good friend of mine, such as John, passes, I struggle to put into words my feelings. As we age, these friendships seem to grow more important. The “good” in my first sentence applies to both John and our friendship. As a fellow Purdue Drill Team member, we shared many good times.
John will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Curtis Bruce
left a message on August 3, 2023:
I met John when I was a freshman at Purdue. I had just been accepted onto the Purdue Drill Team. He had been on the PDT for one or two years. Jim Record, my idol and John’s best friend, took me to meet John and Marilyn one evening. I think they then lived in the Maples mobile home park. Greg was a little guy then and I gave him a sip of beer; Marilyn was not impressed with me.
John was a stalwart of the Team, serving as XO under Tom Hutsell. He marched each season and we developed a fast friendship. We were separated by geography for the rest of our lives but we got together for PDT reunions and fishing trips to Canada.
His constant good humor was always on display. His enthusiasm for and dedication to the PDT was unbounded. He and Marilyn graciously hosted barbecues at PDT reunions. He, assisted by Dave Snyder, obtained sufficient M1903A3 rifles to allow Team alumni to march at reunions. We didn’t talk much between PDT reunions and fishing trips, but we had a bond.
In my life, I have heard other persons say things that were so meaningful to me that I wish I had said them. John’s death brings one of those instances to mind. A former Marine, Michael Norman, wrote a book called These Good Men. The book recounts his experiences as an infantryman with a Marine rifle company in 1968 in Quang Tri province of South Viet Nam. His company commander was Dave Buckner, a friend of mine. In that book, Norman quotes Dave as saying something that will be burned in my memory till the day I die.
He said, “In my life, I have loved more men than women.”
So have I and John Weilbaker was one of those men.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mandy Thayer
left a message on July 31, 2023:
Marilyn and family,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Johnny. His 5 #boots will forever be a happy memory. Hugs to you and I hope you are in good health.
Mandy from the clinic.
Corey Douglas
left a message on July 31, 2023:
Mrs. Weilbaker,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Our family is carrying you to the Throne of Grace in this most difficult time. It was a pleasure to serve you both in the insurance world for the short years I did. Sending you love and light.
Jim Link
left a message on July 30, 2023:
My Condolences to the enter family. Marylyn every time I came to the house. John no matter how Ill he was always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Jim Link
brenda kay miller
left a message on July 30, 2023:
In memory of Johnnie “John”
Ray Weilbaker, brenda kay miller lit a candle
brenda kay miller
left a message on July 30, 2023:
Beautifully written - a great tribute to a wonderful friend.
Marie LaRock
left a message on July 29, 2023:
In memory of Johnnie “John”
Ray Weilbaker, Marie LaRock lit a candle
Dale Cors
left a message on July 29, 2023:
Condolences to the Weilbaker family from a fellow PDT marcher and Purdue grad. John always made our PDT reunion visits memorable as he and Marilyn hosted the final day party. May he rest in peace.
David Tate
left a message on July 29, 2023:
Men like John, leave a hole in lives that can’t be replaced yet his memory lives on in all of those of us who he touched. David Tate, chair ROTC Hall of Fame, Honorary Member 6 time National Champion Purdue Drill Team
Steve Edwards
left a message on July 28, 2023:
Rest in Peace, my friend. Blessings.
Bop Cadence.
Steve Edwards
Purdue Drill Team
Bonnie and Daryl Rabert
left a message on July 28, 2023:
John's love of family, community and the Purdue Drill was reflected in the hospitality of his family as their home was opened for many gatherings. The expansion of his business to turn the trees he was clearing into lumber gave them a new life as buildings and furniture like the treasured headboard John created for he and Marilyn.
Forever in our memories will be his smile, warmth and character.
Marie LaRock
left a message on July 28, 2023:
He fought as hard as he could for as long as he could.
I'm so very sorry for your loss Marilyn
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Natalie Rogers
left a message on September 15, 2023:
I love you so much grandpa.
Alan K Albrecht
left a message on August 5, 2023:
John was a role model and mentor to many PDT members who marched in his footsteps. His dedication to the team lasted more than 60 years. Bop, Cadence, Bop...
Wayne Henderson
left a message on August 4, 2023:
John first earned my respect as a fellow member of the Purdue Drill Team. Two years my senior, he was a seasoned veteran and role model of loyalty, dedication and "leading by example" through his work ethic---both as a marcher and as an officer of the team. He also had a wicked sense of humor which he used effectively to get us all relaxed and loosened up before we hit the drill deck for competition drill meets.
My respect eventually grew into love for the man as we reconnected many years later in life at Drill Team reunions. He was honest and totally authentic; 'generous and caring; and, yes, still playful and humorous! It was uplifting to be in his presence, even if only for a long weekend every few years.
And thank you, Marilyn, for your generosity and warmth in welcoming us PDT reunion attendees into your home for our "farewell" brunches before we all returned to our own homes. You and John gave us the opportunity to renew and deepen friendships; and you both truly made us feel like part of your own family.
Jery Kinyon
left a message on August 3, 2023:
When a good friend of mine, such as John, passes, I struggle to put into words my feelings. As we age, these friendships seem to grow more important. The “good” in my first sentence applies to both John and our friendship. As a fellow Purdue Drill Team member, we shared many good times.
John will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Curtis Bruce
left a message on August 3, 2023:
I met John when I was a freshman at Purdue. I had just been accepted onto the Purdue Drill Team. He had been on the PDT for one or two years. Jim Record, my idol and John’s best friend, took me to meet John and Marilyn one evening. I think they then lived in the Maples mobile home park. Greg was a little guy then and I gave him a sip of beer; Marilyn was not impressed with me.
John was a stalwart of the Team, serving as XO under Tom Hutsell. He marched each season and we developed a fast friendship. We were separated by geography for the rest of our lives but we got together for PDT reunions and fishing trips to Canada.
His constant good humor was always on display. His enthusiasm for and dedication to the PDT was unbounded. He and Marilyn graciously hosted barbecues at PDT reunions. He, assisted by Dave Snyder, obtained sufficient M1903A3 rifles to allow Team alumni to march at reunions. We didn’t talk much between PDT reunions and fishing trips, but we had a bond.
In my life, I have heard other persons say things that were so meaningful to me that I wish I had said them. John’s death brings one of those instances to mind. A former Marine, Michael Norman, wrote a book called These Good Men. The book recounts his experiences as an infantryman with a Marine rifle company in 1968 in Quang Tri province of South Viet Nam. His company commander was Dave Buckner, a friend of mine. In that book, Norman quotes Dave as saying something that will be burned in my memory till the day I die.
He said, “In my life, I have loved more men than women.”
So have I and John Weilbaker was one of those men.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Mandy Thayer
left a message on July 31, 2023:
Marilyn and family,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Johnny. His 5 #boots will forever be a happy memory. Hugs to you and I hope you are in good health.
Mandy from the clinic.
Corey Douglas
left a message on July 31, 2023:
Mrs. Weilbaker,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear husband. Our family is carrying you to the Throne of Grace in this most difficult time. It was a pleasure to serve you both in the insurance world for the short years I did. Sending you love and light.
Jim Link
left a message on July 30, 2023:
My Condolences to the enter family. Marylyn every time I came to the house. John no matter how Ill he was always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Jim Link
brenda kay miller
left a message on July 30, 2023:
In memory of Johnnie “John”
Ray Weilbaker, brenda kay miller lit a candle
brenda kay miller
left a message on July 30, 2023:
Beautifully written - a great tribute to a wonderful friend.
Marie LaRock
left a message on July 29, 2023:
In memory of Johnnie “John”
Ray Weilbaker, Marie LaRock lit a candle
Dale Cors
left a message on July 29, 2023:
Condolences to the Weilbaker family from a fellow PDT marcher and Purdue grad. John always made our PDT reunion visits memorable as he and Marilyn hosted the final day party. May he rest in peace.
David Tate
left a message on July 29, 2023:
Men like John, leave a hole in lives that can’t be replaced yet his memory lives on in all of those of us who he touched. David Tate, chair ROTC Hall of Fame, Honorary Member 6 time National Champion Purdue Drill Team
Steve Edwards
left a message on July 28, 2023:
Rest in Peace, my friend. Blessings.
Bop Cadence.
Steve Edwards
Purdue Drill Team
Bonnie and Daryl Rabert
left a message on July 28, 2023:
John's love of family, community and the Purdue Drill was reflected in the hospitality of his family as their home was opened for many gatherings. The expansion of his business to turn the trees he was clearing into lumber gave them a new life as buildings and furniture like the treasured headboard John created for he and Marilyn.
Forever in our memories will be his smile, warmth and character.
Marie LaRock
left a message on July 28, 2023:
He fought as hard as he could for as long as he could.
I'm so very sorry for your loss Marilyn
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.