A.J. Westrich

Andrew Jacob "A.J." Westrich, 77, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014.

He was born Oct. 9, 1936, in Kelso, Missouri, to Benno J. and Margaret Welter Westrich. He was formerly married to LaJean Medlin, to which union two sons were born. He and Juanita Crites were married Nov. 18, 1978, in Jackson. They had been married 34 years when she passed away Jan. 23, 2013.

A.J. grew up in Kelso, attended St. Augustine Catholic School and graduated from the former Illmo-Fornfelt High School in Scott City in 1954.

He was inducted into the United States Navy on Feb. 6, 1956, and was honorably discharged Dec. 21, 1957.

A.J. was a former member of St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau and a current member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. He was a longtime member of Elks Lodges in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

He had worked at the former Marquette Cement Co., Day Transfer Co. and Plaza Tire, all in Cape Girardeau, and was a truck driver with Heartland Express and Dannie Gilder Inc.

Loving survivors include two sons, Derreck (Tara) Westrich of McKinney, Texas, and Joe (Nicki) Westrich of Plano, Texas; four grandchildren, Jake, Dillon and Zack Westrich of McKinney and Piper Westrich of Plano; a brother, Marvin (Lillian) Westrich of Benton, Missouri; and former wife, LaJean Bilbrey of Fairview, Texas.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Audrey and Elmer Westrich; and a sister, Martha Jo Ziegler.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The rosary will be said at 12:45 p.m., immediately followed by a memorial service with Deacon Walter Biri officiating. Private committal will be in Russell Heights Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Silverwalk Hounds Sanctuary, P.O. Box 1287, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.