Jeffrey Lee Vigue, age 60 and a longtime resident of Elwood, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following an unexpected illness.  He was born February 7, 1958 in Burlington, the son of Donald L. and Barbara J. (VanMeter) Vigue.  Jeff graduated from Hayworth High School in 1976.  He worked as production inspector for General Motors for over 20 years, first at the Kokomo Plant, and later retiring in 2014 from the Fort Wayne Truck Plant.  He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union.  Jeff married Stacey M. (Sizelove) Leisure on October 26, 1996, and they shared several years together before her unexpected passing in 2003.

Jeff was a simple and quiet man who kept to himself most of the time.  Once you knew him – he was the friendliest person you could know, and you would always want him on your side if you needed help.  Jeff was very artistic all of his life, and he enjoyed making stained glass projects for many years.  He had recently started creating stained glass again and completed several new items.  Jeff especially enjoyed attending Elwood High School football games where he rooted on the team and the marching band.  He was a huge New England Patriots football fan, and loved that they were in the Super Bowl again this year.  Jeff was also well-known for arguing about politics, and was an avid supporter of Donald Trump.  He was also an avid tattoo enthusiast, and wouldn't hesitate to show anyone his own tattoo artwork on his body which couldn't be missed.  Jeff's unexpected death is an example of how precious and fleeting our lives can be.  Jeff would likely remind us all to tell those close to us that we love them every chance we get.  He will certainly be missed by many that loved him.

Jeff's family includes longtime partner, Shelley Leach of Elwood; sister, Beth Lynn (husband Wayne) Carter of Bradenton, FL; step-son, James John Leisure; 2 nieces, Cara (husband Jim) Nadolny of Fishers and Kelly (husband Steven) Scovish of Bradenton, FL; a great-niece, Madison Witt; 2 beloved dogs, Ralphie and Alice; and a few stray cats to whom Jeff gave a wonderful home.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Stacey M. Vigue.

A funeral service celebrating Jeff's life will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Raphael Starr of East Main Street Christian Church officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elwood.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 6 pm prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  In honor of Jeff's love of animals and pets, memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Animal Shelter through the funeral home.