Willard Westmoreland

MOREHOUSE, Mo. -- William Willard "Skinner" Westmoreland Jr., 82, of Morehouse died Wednesday, April 23, 2003, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

He was born Sept. 27, 1920, in Sikeston, son of William Willard and Dink Oliver Westmoreland Sr. He first married June Janette Turner Feb. 2, 1940, in New Madrid County. She died Nov. 14, 1946. He and Georgia Evelyn Simpson were married July 10, 1950. She died Feb. 21, 1991.

Westmoreland was a self-employed construction contractor, retiring in 1977.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Westmoreland of Sikeston, Gary Westmoreland of Cleburne, Texas; two brothers, Jimmy Westmoreland of Sherman, Texas, Sonny Westmoreland of Moline, Ill.; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Adams officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites by Missouri Military Funeral Honor Guard.