Jesse Ellis Weakley, age 85, of Portland, Oregon, formerly of Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Washington County, Kentucky, passed away on August 5th, 2026 in Portland.
A native of the Mooresville Community, he was born on December 25th, 1940 to the late Marshall and Lena Mae Harlow Weakley. Preceding him in death are his parents and two siblings: Joseph Harold Weakley and Bettie Carol Weakley Dean.
Jesse is survived by his beloved wife, Bettie Hardin Weakley; daughter, Rebecca Weakley (Sara Beukers) of Portland; son, Steve Weakley (Hilary Stevenson) of Portland; granddaughter, Minnie Weakley of Portland; and a sister, Nancy Foster of Louisville.
Jesse and Bettie married in 1963, and their union was one of true love and devotion. Jesse was a decorated Vietnam combat veteran and served in the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division in 1967-68. Upon returning from the war, he started working at The Loop Barbershop and attended Watterson College at night earning an Associates Degree in Business. He soon became the shop’s owner and for 35 years greeted every customer with a warm smile and was a beloved barber to generations of Louisville families. Jesse was a skilled handyman, and he and Bettie created a lovely home in St. Matthews where they raised their children. He was a great Dad who worked hard and gave his family many opportunities he never had. In his free time he loved to go fishing, and after retirement, he took up golfing and enjoyed playing weekly rounds with his friends. Jesse also volunteered at the VA hospital for 13 years after he retired and felt honored to help his fellow veterans.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 15th at Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church in Springfield with Rev. Clay Stevens officiating.
Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans Honor Guard. A reception will follow the committal service in the Pleasant Grove community center.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Disabled American Veterans via their website.
Carey & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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