Bourbon L. Zeigler, Sr.

Bourbon L. Zeigler, Sr., age 79 of University Hts., OH. Dear husband of Rebecca L. Zeigler (nee Taylor); loving father of Bourbon L. Zeigler, Jr. (Julie Albers) of Minneapolis, MN and Alicia Z. Costello (James) of Cleveland Hts., OH; dear grandfather of Oliver and Abraham Costello, and Ila Zeigler; brother of Tony Zeigler (Charlene) of Euclid, OH, Jacqueline Zeigler Morris (the late Thomas) of Cleveland, OH and the late Grady Zeigler, Jr. (Linda).

Bourbon Lamarr Zeigler, Sr., was born December 16, 1945, to Grady and Dorothy Zeigler in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the third of their four children, Grady Jr, Tony, and Jacqueline. He and his beloved sibling shared a lifetime of memories and adventures, from fishing trips to drives to Mexico, backyard BBQs, endless phone calls, and everything in between. His family meant the world to him, and he cherished their lives together.

Bourbon attended John Adams High School in Cleveland, where his love of basketball flourished. He was a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, for better or for worse. After high school, he had a short stint in Oklahoma before returning to Ohio to attend Baldwin Wallace College. Bourbon was a force on the court, but most importantly in life off the court. His teammates became his lifelong friends. They traveled together as young athletes and continued to gather together throughout their lives.

While at Baldwin Wallace, Bourbon met his cherished wife of 54 years, Becky. Becky and Bourbon fell in love and were married on July 17, 1971, in the chapel of Baldwin Wallace campus. Together, they raised two children, Bourbon Jr. and Alicia, in University Heights. Their lives were filled with love and lessons. They shared many interests, including gardening, with her focusing on flowers and his on vegetables. They also enjoyed hosting backyard parties, reading, traveling, gathering their family and friends together, and an active life at Fairmount Presbyterian Church. Without a doubt, they shared the love of family. He welcomed his son-in-law, JJ, and daughter-in-law Julie with open arms as his family expanded. The joy of his siblings also brought an enduring love for their spouses, his nieces and nephews, and their children.

Bourbon’s career path took him from teacher to Cleveland Metroparks Chief of Police to House of LaRose Beverage Distributor. He coached teams, including Bourbon Jr’s Little League team and his Cub Scout Troop, and volunteered his time at church. He played sports until his knees gave out! He was dedicated to his work and retired in 2011, just in time to take on his favorite role as a grandpa. His three grandchildren would light up his smile anytime you asked about them. He would attend any game of Oliver and Abraham and retell the score and the plays with such pride. Ila’s dance and cello playing made him beam with love.

His big personality and stature made him stand out in a crowd. His many friends recount his big heart, big laugh, and generosity. Bourbon had many friends who became like family. If he could help you out, he would. He would loan you his tools and show you how to use them. He once gave the shoes off his feet to a child after he and Becky sheltered a family during a house fire.

Bourbon will be greatly missed. We hope to carry his legacy with us throughout the rest of our lives.

The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in his name to the Baldwin Wallace Athletic Department, 275 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH 44017. A Memorial Service will be held at Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts., OH on Saturday, October 18 at 11 AM. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH, ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 FROM 4-6PM. Private entombment, Lake View Cemetery.