Don C. Weller

Don C. Weller, 86, of Ashland, KY, courageously fought the good fight and passed peacefully to a better place, his glorious home in Heaven, surrounded by loving family in his home on August 20th, 2017. He was born on April 5th, 1931, a mere three pounds, to George and Jane (Holbrook) Weller in Owensboro, Kentucky. On September 11th, 1956, Don married the former Jo Ann Adams, the love of his life. Don’s life was devoted to caring and providing for his family, a passion closest to his heart. A man of the highest integrity, he touched many lives with his kindness and generosity, as well as his humor. Having a deep love for his country, Don served honorably in the U.S.A.F. during the Korean War, from January 1951 through January 1955. He was attached to the 82nd Airborne. Don, being an avid athlete, played basketball for Owensboro High School and was on the Kentucky state championship team in 1949. Furthering his education, he attended Georgetown College on a basketball and baseball scholarship until joining the U.S.A.F. Upon his discharge, Don completed his college career at the University of Kentucky in 1958 with a B.S. in industrial administration. While at UK, Don served as President of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Out of his love for UK, he became a lifetime member of the UK Alumni Association and he and Jo were UK fellows. Don’s professional career in the oil business began as a project engineer with Texas Oil and Gas Company, laying the gas pipeline out of South Louisiana. He joined Ashland Petroleum Company, division of Ashland Oil Inc. in 1959 as a crude oil buyer and scout in the oil fields. According to Charles Louellen, longtime friend and former president of Ashland Petroleum Co., “Don quickly developed a deep understanding of the oil business and became highly respected in the industry for his knowledge of the business. Don was instrumental in Ashland Petroleum’s acquisition of Scurlock Oil (subsidiary of Ashland Inc.) in Houston, Texas, being named Scurlock President in 1982.” During his career, he served as President of the KY Oil and Gas Association, VP of the Independent Oil and Gas Association, served as the KY Governor’s Representative to the Interstate Oil Compact Commission, and appointed a KY Colonel by two Governors. Don retired from Ashland Petroleum Co. in 1992 as Group VP of Crude Oil and Supply and Transportation. Don was a former Rotarian for many years, member of First Baptist Church of Russell and lifetime member of Bellefonte Country Club. Surviving in addition to his devoted, loving wife, Jo, of 61 years, sons Mike (Donna) of Midland, TX, Don Jr. of Ashland, KY; daughters Lisa Etcheberry of Wesley Chapel, FL, Lori Cooksey (Ben) of Ashland, KY; granddaughters, Candace, Brittany, Tyler, Mallory and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Avalina; sister Jane Rowlette (John) of Raleigh, NC. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patsy Hale. A private Veterans service will be held for family only at the KY Veterans Cemetery NE where Don will be laid to rest on August 24th, 2017. Afterwards, family welcomes friends to a “Celebration of Life” reception from 5-7 PM at Bellefonte Country Club, where Pastor Ken Gowin will speak of Don’s life. Family welcomes and encourages friends to share their stories and memories of Don as well. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Russell, Ashland Community Hospice or donor’s charity of choice. The family extends a special thank you to the following for their loving care and support; Marcy with Comfort Keepers, Kristy and the Hospice team, the staff at Kingsbrook and OLBH, and most of all our gracious, loving, God.

 Service Information