John Robert Westphal, Lt. Col Ret
Passed: July 31, 2022
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John Robert Westphal, Lt. Col Ret
Passed: July 31, 2022
Obituary
Honored family patriarch, John “Westy” Westphal made his last take off on July 31st, 2022, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on February 14th, 1931, in Walla Walla, Washington to Raymond and Aileen (Tweed) Westphal. The family moved back to their farm in Salem, Oregon where he was raised. The family reorganized during World War II with John’s mother marrying Dr. H.A. Perlmutter and moving to Berkeley, CA. Graduation from Berkeley High School in 1948 was followed by three years at College of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. With the Korean War in progress and the Draft Board eminent, Westy decided to join the U.S. Air Force.
Westphal entered the USAF in 1951, graduated from Pilot Flying School in 1953, and was immediately posted to Korea as an F-84 Fighter Pilot. Perhaps this might account for the fact that the war ended three weeks after his arrival. While on his first tour of duty at Luke, he was an F-100 Instructor Pilot and managed to meet and marry the lovely Denise Byerly from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. Daughter Tamara arrived in time to accompany her folks to Itazuke, Japan. While in Japan, another daughter, Dana, joined the family in time to return for another tour at Luke. Westphal then served in Southeast Asia accumulating the usual gongs and whistles (John’s term for medals) awarded for combat exposure. He then proceeded to further his education at Armed Forces Staff College (Norfolk, VA), San Diego State University, and a Master’s from University of Oklahoma. An assignment at Fort Carson, Colorado as Air Force Liaison with the Army, added to the adventure. Luke AFB was next for him as Commander of the 311th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-4 Phantom jet. Next it was overseas for the entire family to Okinawa, Japan and then finally back to Luke and retirement after 30 years of military service.
Westphal decided to try the civilian job market and landed a position with the Maricopa County Management Analysis Section and then as a Right-of-Way Agent for the Highway Department. From there he had a stint with the Arizona Department of Revenue followed by a Governor-appointed position on the State Board of Equalization from 1993-2003.
In addition to fishing with his buddies, Westy loved playing golf at the WigWam Golf and Country Club where he also served as Treasurer.
He had a unique and special relationship with each of his children and grandchildren and was the consummate role model. His grace and humor will be missed by his survivors: beloved wife of 65 years Denise, and his two loving children Tamara (Alan) Bowman, and Dana (John) Marsden. Four Grandchildren: Sarah, AJ, Oliver and Benjamin and three great grandchildren and all of his many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Visit thompsonfuneralchapel.com for online condolences. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the USO at P.O. Box 96860 Washington DC 20077-7677.
14 responses to John Robert Westphal, Lt. Col Ret
John Marsden says:
August 20, 2022
John was a wonderful role model for us all and an inspiring Papa for his grandchildren. He certainly knew which end of a fishing pole to hold and his sharp commentary on Navigators entertained us all throughout. Hopefully someone up there knows how to make a good martini. Rest In Peace.
Joy Gomez says:
August 21, 2022
Prayers for comfort and peace to the family. John was kind, smart and always the perfect gentleman. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years while he was on the State Board of Equalization. I am so sorry for “our” loss. John will be sorely missed, but always kindly remembered. God Bless.
Sarah says:
August 22, 2022
John Westphal, my loving grandfather.
In my eyes he will always be ready to talk with the birds, or tell a silly joke.
I am sad that Papa is no longer with us, and I am so glad that I had the pleasure to be a part of his life story.
I will always feel especially close with him when visiting in Oregon near Neskowin, which is now one of our families favorite places to visit because it was also part of his life story.
When we visit we will always fly a kite on the beach in his honor. To his love, laughter and warmth. He will live in our hearts forever.
Robert Harcrow, Lt Col. USAF Ret. says:
August 22, 2022
John Westphal was one of the finest man ever, both professially and socially. I met him as a Daedalian at Luke AFB, Az. in the 80s. He will sorly be missed. Lord guard and guide the men who fly…….
Bob Densford says:
August 25, 2022
I knew John for many years going to football games at ASU, playing tennis and listening to him sing and play the guitar, golfing at the Wigwam and generally having fun times. He will be missed by many. John always had a calming effect on people and a charming personality in his relationships with others.
My and Sandra’s sympathy go to Denise, (Who taught me Spanish! Only she will understand.) and to the daughters and family who loved John so much. You have lost a fine husband, father and friend. God bless.