Donald Andrus Westbrook Sr.

Donald Andrus Westbrook, Sr., born at Rockford, Illinois on March 19, 1928, passed away on January 1, 2015 at his home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, surrounded by his family. Donald was the son of the late Walter Andrus and Elsie Cleveland Westbrook of Rockford, Illinois. Donald was married to Norma Jean Gilmour Westbrook for 63 years. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as radio operator, and of the Korean War as 2nd lieutenant in the 2nd division U.S. Marines fleet force. He attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he studied political science. Donald retired from executive administration of professional medical societies after a career spanning 30 years. He was elected and served as Town Clerk of Rice Township, Jo Daviess County, Illinois for 13 years. Donald was a devoted family man, with four children, six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his son John Walter Westbrook, and his brother Edward “Ted” Westbrook (Terry). Donald is survived by his wife Norma, his daughter Linda Westbrook Moreland and son-in-law Mark Mrugacz of Mount Pleasant, his son Donald A. Westbrook, Jr. and daughter-in-law Yvette M. Westbrook of Menifee, California, his daughter Jodi Westbrook Flowers and son-in-law Dr. Robert Flowers of Mount Pleasant, his beloved grandchildren Donald A. Westbrook III, Ph.D. (Rachel), Blake E. Westbrook (Sara), Katy Flowers Mitchell (Dr. Colin Mitchell), Elena Boyd Flowers, Robert Coleman Westbrook Flowers, Magdalen Elizabeth Fortiere Westbrook, great grandson Noah Benjamin Westbrook, and special friends Francina and Chinet. Donald loved the great outdoors and enjoyed fishing, canoeing, and camping. He authored a book about his father’s participation in World War I as a member of the U.S. forces. Donald also penned a long-running series of narrative letters for his children that included advice, humor and a moral compass for life. Donald’s quick wit, intelligence, charisma, compassion, understanding, loyalty and love for his family are remembered and cherished by those who knew him. His all American, rugged individualist spirit, values and principles set the standard for future generations of his family and a positive influence on his associates and friends. The Westbrook family extends sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of Lutheran Hospice of Charleston. To honor Donald’s wishes, services will be private only. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be addressed to Lutheran Hospice of Charleston. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, MT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1520 RIFLE RANGE ROAD, MT PLEASANT, SC (843) 884-3833.