Rocky David Gourley
Rocky David Gourley, 68, of Winamac, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 11. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Rocky was born on Oct. 3, 1953, in Winamac at Carneal Hospital to the late Robert W. and Phyllis E. (Nice) Gourley. He was a 1971 graduate of Kankakee Valley High School in Wheatfield; the first graduating class from the new school after consolidation. Rocky married the love of his life, Laurie Ann Lewis, on June 20, 1987 in Wheatfield at the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church. Wedding rites were conducted by the late Rev. Roger Sculley. Rocky retired from North White High School after 28 years where he worked as a custodian. In his younger years, he served as Deputy Town Marshal in Wheatfield; working under his dad.
Rocky was a dedicated member of Tippecanoe Christian Church in Winamac where he taught adult Sunday school and served as a deacon and trustee. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, Boone and Crockett Club, National Wild Turkey Federation and Future Farmers of America. Rocky was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He held the unofficial title of “Champion Noodler.” He was an avid Indiana University Basketball Fan (Go Hoosiers!) and strong supporter of North White High School Athletics. Rocky was always proud of the fact that he scored a three-pointer for the Pulaski Yellow Jackets team in the Memory Lane Basketball Tournament.
Rocky was a loving husband, brother, and uncle. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain.
He is survived by his wife Laurie Ann (Lewis) Gourley of Winamac; sisters: Daisy [Don] Hahn of Star City and Connie [Stan] Myers of Monterey; brothers: J. Douglas Gourley Sr. of Winamac and R. Clyde [Lena] Gourley of Winamac; sisters-in-law: Vickie Pence of Anderson, Karen Lewis of Lake Station, Kathy [David Sr.] Davis of Schererville and Patty [Matt] Fancher of Brazelton, Georgia; brothers-in-law: Dennis [Carole] Lewis of Hobart, Tom [Carolyn] Lewis of Wanatah and Mike [Mary] Lewis of Hebron; and many nieces and nephews (too many to count!).
He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert W. and Phyllis E. (Nice) Gourley; in-laws Ellwood and Bonnie (Rusk) Lewis Sr.; sister-in-law Beulah Gourley; and brothers-in-law: Joel Pence, Ellwood Lewis Jr. and Curtis Ellwood Lewis.
Visitation was from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Pastor Ed Clark officiating.
Burial will take place at Tippecanoe Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tippecanoe Christian Church, North White Athletic Department or Guardian Angel Hospice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — Jan. 19, 2022)