John Westmoreland

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, John Sterling Westmoreland, age 85, of Lamar, Missouri passed away March 17, 2022, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.   John was born November 25, 1936 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Jerry G. Westmoreland and Jennie Mae (Presley) Westmoreland. John served in the United States Army from February 1960 - April 1962, where he was stationed in Denver, Colorado as a medic. Upon leaving the Army, John was offered a job and relocated to Pittsburg, Kansas.   On July 22, 1964, John married Carol Ann Schmitz in Lamar, MO. John and his wife relocated to Kansas City, where he ran a successful drive-in theater business. In 1972, they moved back to Lamar, where he owned and operated the Corner Card & Gift Shop from 1973 - 1988 and was active in several community service organizations. He was past president of Lamar Chamber of Commerce, former chairman of Barton County Red Cross for 15 years, and was a member of the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and the Community Betterment. Upon selling his businesses, John became a part-time bus driver for the Lamar school district and was a truck driver for CFI for 16 years, where he reached the milestone of over one million miles. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary's Catholic Church. John retired in 2016 and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.   Survivors include his wife Carol Westmoreland, one son, Mark Westmoreland of Liberal, Missouri, two daughters; Elizabeth Westmoreland of Arnold, Missouri and Mary (Jack) Battiste of Bollingbrook, Illinois, three grandchildren; Stephen Walker of Carl Junction, Missouri, Emily Westmoreland and Maddie Westmoreland, both of Festus, Missouri, three great-grandchildren; Carson Walker, Haydyn Walker and Jacob Walker, all of Carl Junction and one sister, Peggy Neal of Corpus Christi, Texas.   John was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jerry Westmoreland and three sisters; Virginia Marie Riley, Juanona June Tryon and Laura Elizabeth Smith.   A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lamar, MO. All are welcome and a reception will follow in the church hall.   Contributions are suggested and made payable to The American Red Cross in care of Daniel Funeral Home.   Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com