George B. Westall Jr. quietly passed away on December 19, 2022, at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Betty (Thompson) Westall.
Sharing a birthday with Abraham Lincoln, George was born on February 12, 1927, in Lawrenceville, Illinois. Those who loved George agreed that there had been two great men born in Illinois on that day. He grew up in Lawrenceville as the only child of George and Emma Jane Westall. He was an Eagle Scout at age 14 and graduated high school early to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps. As part of the Army Specialized Training Program, he attended Michigan State University. After completing basic training in Colorado and Arizona, George was on his way to the west coast to be shipped out to Japan when World War II ended. Because of this, George was among the first peace time soldiers to arrive in Japan. He often spoke of how happy “the boys” were to see his ship because it meant that they – the men that had been fighting in Japan – were going home.
After the war, George attended Bradley University, graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree. His first job with Franklin Supply Company took him to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C., to work for the Department of the Interior, approving steel allotments to the petroleum industry during the Korean War. It was in Washington, D. C. on a blind date that he met Betty Thompson. After dating less than a year, George and Betty married and moved into George’s apartment on South Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.
Work then took the young couple to Dallas, Texas, where they used the G.I. Bill to buy their first house near White Rock Lake in Dallas. After six months, though, they returned to Chicago. Then, after another six months, George was offered a job in St. Louis as a manufacturer’s rep with John Sears, creating The Sears-Westall Company. After 30+ years as a manufacturer’s rep, George started a new venture – manufacturing and selling a dewatering system for water and wastewater plants.
Over the years, George and Betty enjoyed many things together – participation in Boy Scouts, traveling across the United States, houseboating at the Lake of the Ozarks, and their long time membership at Webster Hills United Methodist Church; particularly, their many friendships there. Eventually, George and Betty purchased a vacation home in Venice, Florida. After Betty passed away in 2005, George stayed active with the Rotary Club of Crestwood-Sunset Hills, Shepherd’s Center, his church and traveling to their home in Venice.
He lived in his home in Sunset Hills – the same home he and Betty bought new in 1965 – as long as he was able until finally residing at Garden View Care Center in Valley Park. We appreciate the care and kindness he received while there over the last eight months of his life.
George loved sunny-side-up eggs, strawberry ice cream and fried catfish. He liked a Bloody Mary at the end of a work day, and a Busch beer with a pulled pork sandwich. He loved watching sunsets with Betty in Venice, Florida, eating steamed crabs with her in Ocean City, Maryland, and watching the Rose Parade together on New Year’s Day.
He did not like yard work, spectator sports or cold weather.
He enjoyed learning about new technologies, leading him to buy his first Apple computer shortly after the famous 1984 Super Bowl commercial. One of his finest qualities was his desire to serve others, which he did through Boy Scouts, his military service, Shriners International, and as a Sunday School teacher. He also spent many years as a puppeteer, performing shows at libraries and for church groups. He was very proud of the work of Rotary International as well as the community work of the Rotary Club of Crestwood-Sunset Hills. Even into his late 80s, he was volunteering to serve dinners at a shelter in Soulard.
He instilled in us a commitment to service, a curiosity of the world and a love of travel.
He is survived by his children, Cherie Westall (Jon Fulmer) and Gregg Westall. Services will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 10th at 9:30 am. If you wish to attend, please be at Sylvan Springs Upper Parking Lot (off of Sheridan Road before entrance to the cemetery) by 9:15 am.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be sent in George’s name to Shepherd’s Center, 1320 West Lockwood Ave, Glendale, MO 63122, https://square.link/u/ETfPVy2J or Crestwood-Sunset Hills Meals on Wheels, Inc., ℅ Southminster Presbyterian Church, 10126 East Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63126.
George was such a great guy and I enjoyed getting to know him while he attended out Shepherds Center❣️ Sincerest condolences to all his family.
I was honored to meet the wonderful George B. Westall Jr. late in his life. He had the most wonderful smile and spirit of love & happiness. We both enjoyed our Rockport shoes and he sure loved his family Cherrie & Jon Fulmer and Greg!
I was away for the holidays and just found out about George’s passing. Bob and I had many fun times with George and Betty. George was one of the reasons Bob went to church. I still sit in the same pew that we shared. I miss them both.
George instilled my love of River lore and travel to new sights . He was my patron and sponsored my of my artistic endeavors. I an honored to have known him.
I work at the nursing home George resided at. George was one of a kind. I have so many fond memories and I loved him. He was funny, energetic, and very nice. He always was able to make me laugh. George was also quite the ladies man too! He loved singing and just hanging out with others. George was always friendly to everyone. If you walked into a room he was in he would always say “hi there come on in take a seat.” What I didn’t realize until reading this obituary is that George attended Bradley University. That is where I went too! I wish I had known that! Im sure that would have been a great conversation he and I could have had. Well at least he knows now. George will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to Gregg, Cherie, and the rest of the family. George is in a better place and has been reunited with Betty. May his memory be a blessing. May he rest in peace. So long George of the Jungle. I love and miss ya.
Cherie and Gregg, so sorry to hear about George. I have such great memories of our families, and growing up together. I still can picture your dad’s sly smile! I hope he and Betty are together again, maybe having an evening cocktail with Mom and Dad.