Roll Call Tribute

Published in Abilene Reporter-News on August 27, 2010

Jack Ellis Westbrook
Rule

Jack E. Westbrook was born in Rule, Texas, on July, 8th 1924 to Annie Ellis Westbrook and Dr. John Daniel Westbrook. He was a student of Texas A&M College when World War II broke out. Inducted for
active duty in December of 1942, he was assigned to the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division, where as a 2nd Lieutenant, he saw some of the fiercest actions of the War. He was proud to participate in the liberation of the infamous concentration camp at Dachau, Germany. Lieutenant Westbrook received the following decorations and awards: The Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the V-Device; the Purple Heart; Medaille de la France Liberee; The Commendation Medal; Expert Combat Infantry D-Badge; Victory Medal; Occupation Medal (Germany and Austria); European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three battle stars for Ardennes - Alsace, the Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns; and the American Theater Campaign Medal.

After the war, with an Honorable Discharge and a rank of 1st Lieutenant, Jack returned to A&M and graduated with an Engineering Degree in 1948. Before graduating, he married Helen (Skipper) Cloud, also of Rule. Jack's first and last job was with Sun Pipe Line Company. He and his family lived in Snyder, Texas and after many years there, was transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he retired after 38 years as Chief Regional Engineer. Although he and Skipper immersed themselves with friends, activities, clubs and church, his Texas roots were deep. If only Tulsa were in Texas!

His many interests involved Sons of the Confederate Veterans, genealogy-researching many branches of his family tree, writing a book on his hometown of Rule, Texas, and his experiences in War II. Jack was also instrumental in building the Rule Veterans Memorial. His passion was his family and taking them snow skiing.

Several years after Skipper's death, he moved to Argyle and lived with his daughter Cynthia for nearly 10 years. Jack passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2010, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases. As he would have wanted, his family was with him. Jack was 86 years old.

The service will be held on, Friday, August 27th at the First Baptist Church in Rule at 4:00 with visitation at 3:00. Terry Bell of Tulsa Oklahoma, a long time neighbor, pastor and friend of the family will conduct the service. Robert Partin of the "Abilene Pipers" will play the bagpipes at the grave site - Willow Cemetery, Haskell, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: The 42nd Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial Fund, ATTN: Jon Janosik, 3389 Kingston Lane, Youngstown, Ohio 44511-20031 or Odyssey Hospice of Dallas, 5440 Harvest Hill, STE 200, Dallas, Texas 75230. Officiating over the funeral is Holden McCauley Funeral Home of Haskell.

Jack Ellis Westbrook and his wife, Helen (Skipper) Cloud Westbrook, are survived by three daughters: Cynthia Greer from Argyle, Cylvia Stevenson from Carrollton, and Celia Scoggins Thrash from McAllen, Texas. They have five grandchildren, Jason and Jared Greer, Somer East, Jacqueline Vacek, and Jack Dillon Scoggins and 4 great-grandchildren, Quinten and Joaquin East, Skipper and Anne Vacek.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation to the dedicated Caregivers who were loyal and dedicated to Jack. Vicki Trammell and Juanita (Rosie) Velasquez gave their time and devotion to Jack and have become so much more than mere friends. Rene' Bulen, Martha White and Jackie Gatoto of Odyssey Hospice, Dallas went beyond their "jobs" in Jack's care and comfort. These ladies were truly heaven sent.

Jack Westbrook was honored to have served his country and felt especially privileged to serve in the 42nd Rainbow" Infantry Division. He was proud to be an American.