Benjamin Freeman Weathers

Mr. Benjamin Freeman Weathers age 71 of Salem passed away Friday, April 10 at 11:07AM at his home.

Mr. Weathers was born January 25, 1944 in Salem the son of Herschel Milton and Myrtle Carrie Miller Weathers.  He was a graduate of Morgan Township High School and Kentucky School of Mortuary Science.  Ben began his career as a funeral director intern for Barkes and Inlow Funeral Home in Columbus, Indiana and purchased Dennis Mortuary in 1968 and started Weathers Funeral Home.  Ben enjoyed being active in the community.  He was a member and Deacon of Fort Hill Church of Christ. He was a former City of Salem Council Member. He was a Salem Community School Board Member for 12 years.  He was a fifty year member of Blue River Masonic Lodge #457 and Scottish Rite, Valley of Indianapolis. He was a member and former Board Member for Steven’s Museum. He was a member of Salem Lions Club, Washington County Cemetery Commission, and Indiana and National Funeral Director’s Association.  He was a Board Member for Friends of Beck’s Mill and enjoyed volunteering at the Mill, giving tours and  grinding cornmeal. He was a member of Board of Directors for Mid Southern Savings Bank.  Ben also was an avid  hunter and was a member of NRA.

He is survived by his wife:  Myra Lou Coots Weathers.  They were married May 5, 1967.  He is also survived by his son:  Steven Milton Weathers of Salem, his daughter:  Carrie Lynn Chastain (Brock) of Salem, and two grandchildren:  Jeffrey Burch and Addie Chastain both of Salem. Ben was an only child, but had a very close relationship with his cousins:  Dorothy June Walton, Mary Burns, Carol Lee Chenier, John David King, Kenny King and Bill King.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00AM at Fort Hill Church of Christ. Burial will follow in Blue River Church of Christ Cemetery, near Depauw.  Visitation will be Tuesday from Noon-8PM at Weathers Funeral Home and Wednesday from 9:30AM-time of service at the church.

Ben had requested that memorial donations be made to:  Friends of Becks Mill to purchase a new grinding stone or to Steven’s Memorial Museum.