Jesse Allan Westmeyer Sr., age 93, entered into the presence of his Lord on December 5, 2024, in Huntsville, AL. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesse enriched the lives of those he knew and loved through his generosity, humor, resilience and love of life. He was married to Norma Westmeyer for 30 years and he was dedicated to the family they created together.
Jesse was born on July 9, 1931, as Jesse Allan McMillan, Jr. to parents Jesse Allan McMillan, Sr. and Martha McMillan in St. Louis, Missouri. After the death of his parents, Jesse was adopted by his Aunt and Uncle, Edith and Heral Westmeyer in April 1936. He was then raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and joined the US Navy in 1948 at the age of 17. He served as an electronic technician until his honorable discharge in 1953. He obtained his GED and attended the University of Florida where he graduated with his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering in 1958. He remained a loyal Gators fan and wore his Gators tie proudly to church after a win. He worked for Sperry Electronic Tube Division in Gainesville FL for five years and then moved to Huntsville, AL where he was employed by the Safeguard Anti-missile Air defense system until its deactivation in 1976. He then worked for various Project Offices at the US Army Missile command and co-established the US Army Material Command/Europe where he was Deputy to the Commander. Jesse retired from the Missile Command in 1988 and was employed by System Dynamics International until his retirement in 1993.
Jesse was a passionate and highly skilled woodworker and spent many hours in his shop making furniture for his home and other items for his family and friends. He generously shared his time and talents teaching others his skills. His grandchildren have fond memories of sweeping sawdust in Opa’s garage, and they all treasure the toys that he made for them. He also made individual wooden crosses that were given to patients in the hospital and to those in Hospice care. Jesse served his community by building Habitat for Humanity homes and wheelchair ramps for those in need. For many years he would spend time weekly with the residents at 305 8th Street, a residential home for disabled adults. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and devoted many hours of service to the church.
Jesse is survived by his wife, Norma Westmeyer; his children, Jesse Westmeyer, Jr., Leann Gilmour (Tom), Don Westmeyer (Tammy), David Westmeyer (Karen); and stepdaughters, Cathy Augustine (Kerry), Treva Whitmore (Cliff), and Connie Rummel (Dan). Jesse also leaves behind a legacy of love through his 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. Jesse is preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Heral Westmeyer.
As we remember Jesse, we celebrate a life well-lived through faithful service to God and love for others. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be held on December 10th, 2024, from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM followed by a service at 2:00 PM at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, Inc., 2320 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805. Interment with military honors will immediately follow the service at Maple Hill Cemetery 202 Maple Hill St., Huntsville, AL 35801.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Trinity United Methodist Church https://www.trinityumc.org/giving/ or Heartlite Hospice. Donations to Heartlite Hospice may be mailed to 111 East Laurel St. Scottsboro, AL 35768 and write Jesse Westmeyer in the memo line.
