JOE WESTERLAGE, JR.

1931-2018

Joseph Newton Westerlage, Jr. died of natural causes on Tuesday, January 16, in Houston, and passed into the arms of his savior Jesus Christ.

Joe was born in Dallas on August 1, 1931, only child of his parents, Eunice Poorman and Joe Westerlage, Sr. Upon graduation from Highland Park High School, Dallas, in 1949 he attended Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, and transferred to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelors and Masters degree.

He pursued an insurance career in Houston, and combined that with a lifelong interest in the Texas Longhorns, and later the Astros. He was especially proud of his seasons coaching Little League and activities with the Toastmasters Club. He kept many fond memories of traveling to the Holy Land with his adult Sunday school class from St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Joe approached life with a cheerful attitude, and his life-long good humor was cherished by all who knew and loved him. In his last years at West Oaks Rehabilitation Center, “Mr. Joe” was esteemed for his friendliness and minimal complaints to the staff. He was comforted and inspired there by clergy and congregants of Mission Bend United Methodist Church.

He is predeceased by his parents, aunt and uncle Faith Poorman and Charles Bybee, aunt and uncle Elizabeth Poorman and Harvin Moore.

He is survived by cousin Harvin Moore III and wife Mary, and his children, son Harvin and wife Janet and their two children, daughter Marian and husband Chris Casey and their three children, and by cousin Barry Moore and wife Marie, and his daughter Clara and husband Ward Hendon and their three children.

A memorial service will be conducted at Mission Bend United Methodist Church, 3710 S. Highway 6, Houston 77082, at 11 AM on Monday, January 22.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mission Bend United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.