Obituary of Maj. Blair M. Weller

Major Blair M. Weller, (U.S. Army, Retired), 63, passed away at his residence in Fishers, Indiana, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on May 17, 1951 in Niles, Michigan to H. DeVerl and Anita "Neadie" R. (DePoy) Weller. Blair was graduated from Niles High School, class of 1969, where he excelled academically, receiving numerous scholastic awards. After high school, Blair graduated from Western Michigan University (WMU) with a Bachelor of Political Science/ Business Law. In keeping with his lifelong passion to learn, Blair continued his academic education for the next forty years attending college classes and earning various degrees and certificates along the way. He firmly believed that education was an obligation that we should all strive for; that we must take those teachings to better serve ourselves, our communities, this country and the world. Blair often told family, friends and coworkers that "no day is wasted as long as we learn something that day". During his grade school and high school years he was a pitcher for both the Little League Yankees and Niles High School. This was the seed that was planted for a lifelong love affair with sports. He was an avid Notre Dame Football fan. Depending on their game record during the season, Blair either loved or hated them, but was always eager for the new season to begin. GO IRISH! While living in St. Louis, Blair became certified with the Missouri High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) as a sport official in girls softball, volleyball, wrestling and of course his all-time favorite baseball. As a baseball umpire he was a member of the greater St. Louis Association of Umpires (GSLAU) and was one of the highly sought umpires by the high school coaches. Major Weller had a stellar career in the U.S. Army. He became a full-time member of the Michigan National Guard in 1974 after graduating from the Michigan Military Academy. He was also an Honor Graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course and was named to the Commandant's List. Blair's first assignment was as a recruiter in Lansing, Michigan. Future assignments at various locations around the world included the following positions; Training Officer, Medical Records Administrator and Administrative Officer. During the Gulf War, both Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Blair was stationed in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia at a 400 bed evacuation hospital located within the combat zone. Major Weller received the prestigious Legion of Merit awarded by Detachment 3, 13th Combat Support Hospital, for duties provided as Administrative Officer and Patient Administrative Officer during the Gulf War. Additionally, the U.S. Army bestowed upon him the Distinguished Service Medal for the planning and execution of Operation Guard Care. As a result of his efforts, hundreds of youngsters within the city of Detroit received critical child immunizations. After serving in the Gulf War, Major Weller graduated from the U.S. Command and General Staff College. He retired from the Michigan National Guard in November 1995. On April 19, 1996 Blair married Susan B. Gribble at a ceremony in Warren, Michigan. Later that same year, due to Susan's job with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) relocating to St. Louis, the family established a new residence there. Blair also joined the ranks at DFAS St. Louis and they remained there until 2007. After the governments closure of DFAS St. Louis, the Weller's remained with the Agency and began working at the Indianapolis location. Blair retired in 2012 with 15 years of Federal civilian service. Major Weller was a member of the WMU Alumni Association, the Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. (AMSUS) and the National Guard Association of the U.S. He was also a lifelong member of the Camp Grayling Officers Club. His support of this organization earned him the honor of having his name added to the plaque listing financial donors. Blair was a Paid Up for Life (PUFL) member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign War as well as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Blair was a man of great faith and was a devout member of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. In his free time he enjoyed traveling, family time, classic movies and, mostly, quiet evenings at home with his wife. He is survived by his wife Susan of Fishers, Indiana, a son Matthew (April) Weller of Tulsa, Oklahoma, his parents H. DeVerl and Anita R. Weller of Niles, a step-grandson Cooper of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a brother Dr. Blaine (Laura) Weller of North Muskegon, Michigan, a sister Brenda (Richard) Corser of Parma, Michigan, two nieces, two nephews and a plethora of friends. A time of visitation will begin on Sunday, March 29, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 7:30 p.m. The mass of Christian Burial for Major Weller will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2015 at Saint Mark Catholic Church by The Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., of the parish assisted by Brother Dennis Meyers, C.S.C. Committal Rites will follow at Mission Hills in Niles and will conclude with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made in Blair memory to the American Cancer Society, the National Parkinson Foundation, the National MS Society or the Alzheimer's Association. Within the past year, Blair was comforted by the love and support he received from his late grandmothers, Grandma Weller and Grandma DePoy when they visited him in his dreams. Blair's legacy to those who knew and loved him is that the reason for living is FAMILY. Nothing matters more than family and home. As Dorothy said to Toto "There's no place like home". Welcome home, Blair.