Dr. Charles E. Wier

Dr. Charles E. Wier, 97, of Bloomington, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at IU Health Bloomington Hospice House. He was born on May 15, 1921, in Jasonville, Indiana; the son of John Wesley and Ethel (Kneeland) Wier. He was raised by his Grandma, Martha Wier Buckalew, whom he cherished and thought the world of until his final day. Dr. Wier was a renowned Geologist, serving as a Professor of Geology at Indiana University and later working for Amax International as an Exploration Geologist specializing in the economics of coal. He was the author of 66 publications with his thesis being the most requested from the I.U. Geology Library. At the age of 68, he became the Vice President of Hoosier Mining, investigating gold mining properties throughout the U.S. and Africa in Botswana and Liberia. Until age 95, he was a consultant for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Dr. Wier received his Bachelors Degree in Geology from Indiana University in 1943 while also serving with the Advanced ROTC program. Immediately upon graduation, he was sent to fight in WWII with the 11th Airborne Division as a Paratrooper. He served as 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippines and in Japan during the Occupation. He was a highly decorated soldier who was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Following his service in WWII, Dr. Wier returned to Indiana University where he obtained a Masters in Economic Geology in 1950 followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Economic Geology in 1955. Dr. Wier was an active member of the American Legion for 60 years, serving locally at Post 18 in numerous positions including Commander and later as Southern Vice Commander for the Department of Indiana. He developed the American Legion Scholarship Fund and the Americanism Program for the Department of Indiana promoting an understanding of the U.S. Constitution. He was an avid volunteer, devoting 15 years with the Indiana DNR Advisory Council, 28 years as a volunteer counselor with SHIIP, along with many other charitable activities. His dedication was honored throughout his life with many medals, awards, and recognitions, including the David Dale Owens Award by the Geology Department of Indiana University, the Governors Award for Excellence in Service by Governor Mitch Daniels, the Department of Indiana Distinguished Service Award by the American Legion presented by Vice President Mike Pence, the Agape Award by the Local Council of Women and the Gordon H. Wood Award from the American Association of Professional Geologists. Dr. Wier is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Susan Diane Bultman Fish Wier; his daughter, Catherine Louise Wier; his son, Donald Ray Wier (Celia); his step-daughter, Christy Fish Siville Brown (David), his step-son, Clint Stephen Fish (Tonya); his grandchildren, Jared Roman Wier, Chelsey Dianne Siville, Kinsey Allison Dianne Siville, Hillary Ann Fish, Eric Stephen Fish (Rebecca), and Lisa Miller; his great-grandchildren, Malina Rose Fish, Adalynn Rose Fish, and Trulane Suri Hwang; and his nephews, Jimmy Wier and Robert Wier. He was preceded in death by his Grandma; his parents; his son, Ronald Lee Wier; his uncle, Reuben Wier; his siblings, Raymond Wier, Clarence Wier, Louise Gurley, and Thelma Haskell; his ex-wives Nellie Stancombe and Jean Wier; and his niece, Betty McDowell. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington and again from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Rev. Alan Phillips from Sherwood Oaks will officiate. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens with full Military Honors. The family will host a Celebration of Life immediately following burial at the American Legion, Post 18. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Department of Indiana Scholarship Fund. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence to Dr. Wier’s family at www.allencares.com.

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Dr. Charles E. Wier

May 15, 1921 - May 5, 2019