Obituary of Elmer Westerman

Judge E. C. Westerman, Jr., 87, of Fincastle, Virginia passed away on Thursday, April 14, 2011 Mr. Westerman was born in Clifton Forge, Virginia on May 15, 1923. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Curtis Westerman, Sr. and Katie Markley Westerman, brother, Richard F. Westerman, and sister-in-law, Jeannie Slusser Westerman, sisters, Marcia Ann Westerman, Rosemary Westerman Butterworth, and brothers-in-law, Harold Butterworth and the Rev. Alva Joe Hawes. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Booth Westerman, daughter, Marcia Westerman Neighbors and husband Freddie "Mack" Neighbors, son, Elmer Curtis "Curt" Westerman, III, grandchlden, Virginia "Ginni" Ellen Neighbors, Christine Neighbors Slingluff and husband David, Chad O'Brien Neighbors and fiance' Cherie Stinnette, and great grandson, Isiah Moran, sister, Barbara Westerman Newlon and husband Howard Newlon, sister-in-law, Betty Booth Hawes, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Westerman attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute until he was called to serve in the Army during World War II. At the end of the war, he returned to VPI where he completed his bachelors degree. Under the GI bill, he attended and graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree. In 1950, he began his law practice in Fincastle, Virginia. It was here that he met the love of his life, Mary. They were married on September 24, 1951. Mr. Westerman served as a Commonwealth Attorney for Botetourt County until being appointed to the bench as General District Judge for Botetourt and Craig counties. He retired in 1988 to a quiet life in the historic town of Fincastle where he loved to sit on his front porch or walk on Jefferston Street. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Glebe for their loving care, Good Samaritan Hospice, Fincastle Rescue Squad, and numerous friends and family for their caring support. The family will have a private interment in Godwin Cemetery. There will be a Memorial Service 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Fincastle Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Fincastle Rescue Squad, Fincastle Presbyterian Church, or Good Samaritan Hospice. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory. 366-0707