Robert E. “Gene” Wier, 89 years of age, formerly from Knoxville, Tennessee passed away Thursday, June 18th peacefully at his home in Indianapolis with his daughter Jane and son-in-law Victor Indiano at his bedside.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia on April 3, 1926, he was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jane, parents Robert B. and Annie (Trainer) Wier of Knoxville, brothers Thomas and Frank Wier both from Knoxville and Sevierville, Tennessee. Gene was also preceded in death by Thomas Robinson of Lenoir City, Mary Compton of Nashville and Cecilia Bridges of Knoxville.
Gene is also survived by two grandchildren Michelle K. and Vincent E. Indiano, both whom currently serve in the U.S. Navy. Other family members include his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Emily Wier of Tazwell, sister, Patricia Muncey and sister and brother-in-law, Mr. A. A. “Sonny” and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Hill of Nashville, TN. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, and great nieces.
He became known as “Grandpa Gene” to the Indiano family, as his love of family and children was so abundant. He believed in giving back to others and loved attending both Bearden and Fairview United Methodist Churches in Knoxville. He was part of a men’s group called “The Elderly Brothers” who often sang at civil functions, nursing homes and facilities that served the elderly.
He joined the Navy at age 17, serving in WWII in the Southeast Pacific on the USS Hilo. In civilian life, he was a printer for both the News Sentinel, News Journal and The Indianapolis Star and an entrepreneur owning several businesses. A late-life highlight was travelling in October, 2014 to Washington, DC with the WWII Memorial Honor Flight, along with 69 other WWII veterans. The Indianapolis Fire Department served as their guides.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations to the Fairview Methodist Church, 2400 Fairview Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37917 or to the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the Roberson Family Cemetery on a farm at 4965 Roberson Spring Road, Loudon, Tennessee 37774. Drive past the red barn and the white house to get to the cemetery. Friends may sign his online guest book at www.indianafuneralcare.com.
Judy Barnhill says
Mr. Wier was one of the nicest men I ever knew. He had a very kind heart and was so giving. He always had nice things to say about everyone. He was very devoted to his daughter and love her and her family more than one can say. He will be missed.