Robert P. "Bob" Weatherly was born Feb. 28, 1921, at Clarkston, Washington. He spent much of his life in Asotin and Garfield counties, particularly Asotin, Washington. Weatherly served with the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1953. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and had combat duty at Guadalcanal, Munda and Bougainville. He served with the 1st Marine Division during the Korean War.

Weatherly married Thelma Van Pelt in 1946. They later divorced. He married Helen Hicks Cole in 1962. She passed away in 1992. He was a partner in a ranch located in Asotin and Garfield Counties until his retirement in 1985.

Weatherly was the author of several books and many newspaper features on local history and was long active in local historical groups. He was also a collector of antique and historic objects of all kinds. Weatherly was the principal historian of Asotin County, Washington. He was a member and past president of the board of directors of the Asotin County Historical Society. He was also a past president of the Asotin County Cattlemen's Association, a member of the Washington State Cattlemen's Association, and did historical research and writing for the association. Weatherly also served on the board of directors of the Clarkston Cemetery Association. Bob Weatherly died in Clarkston, Washington, in December 1997.