Lester Eugene Weakley, age 86, a lifetime resident of Hoquiam, died on Friday, June 23, 2017, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. Mr. Weakley was born on June 2, 1931, at Hoquiam General Hospital to parents Melvin and Geraldine (Gillespie) Weakley.
He graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1950. After attending Grays Harbor College for a short time, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. There, he served as a military policeman in Florida, New Mexico and Alaska. After his discharge, he returned to Hoquiam where he again attended Grays Harbor College and played football for the Chokers. An injury would end his football aspirations.
In 1953, he began a 25-year career with the Hoquiam Fire Department, retiring as Battalion Chief in 1978. During his off time, he built his own home, their cabin on Summit Lake and did countless remodeling projects. He was a licensed electrician and had driven oil delivery truck for Lawrence and Macan.
Lester was also civic minded. He was a lifetime member of the YMCA where he served as president of the Board of Directors, the Hoquiam Elks lodge where he was a member of the “Roamin’ Elks”, and the Hoquiam Eagles during the 1960’s. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.
On Sept. 8, 1956, he and Connie Louise Baker were married at the Hoquiam Presbyterian Church. She survives at the family home. Also surviving are two daughters and their spouses, Debbie Foster-Volkman and Randy Volkman of Hoquiam and Diana and Peter Robertson of Newport Beach, Calif.; grandchildren Adam Foster (Tina Sauer), Andrew Foster (Amanda), Christopher Robertson, and Daniel Robertson, a great-grandchild, Roran Foster and a brother Melvin Weakley (Diane) of Fillmore, Calif. A sister Shirley Pederson and a grandchild, Amanda Foster died previously.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2017, at the Hoquiam Senior Center.
Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.
Donations may be made to the Josephine Olsen Memorial Fund through the Hoquiam Fire Department or the charity of one’s choice.
Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
