The Reverend John Russell "J.R." Westerfield was born April 5, 1950 in Vancouver, WA to Hugh and Eula Largent Westerfield. He was Baptized and Confirmed November 27, 1966 at Streams in the Desert, Tucson AZ. J.R. and Rhonda Jo Davis were married on May 19, 1973 at the Chapel of the Abiding Presence, Texas Lutheran University, Seguin, TX. J.R. and Rhonda were blessed with two sons, Noah John and Adam Joseph Westerfield. J.R. graduated from Catalina High School 1969, Tucson, AZ; Texas Lutheran University 1972 BA Theology and Philosophy, Seguin, Texas; and Pacific Lutheran Theological seminary 1978 Masters of Divinity, Berkeley, CA. He was ordained a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America February 13, 1979 at Streams in the Desert Lutheran Church. Pastor J.R. served Saron, Hoquiam, WA; Holy Trinity, Portland, OR; St. Paul, Nordheim and Runge, TX; Zion, Moulton, TX and Evangelical, Witting, TX; and congregations of the Tri-County Cooperative Ministries: St. Peter, Hallettsville; United Dr. Martin Luther, Shiner; Zion, Moulton; Evangelical, Witting; Zion, Sublime; Faith, Weimar; and St. Peter, Prairie Valley. After retirement he was a member of Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Seguin, TX. J.R. was a husband, father, pastor, storyteller, Boy Scout leader, dog lover and humorist. J.R. died on September 11, 2013 in Seguin at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his parents; premature son, Micah James; and brother, Ardell. He is survived by wife, Rhonda; sons, Noah and his wife, Heather of Seguin and Adam and his wife, Sarah of Seguin; sister, Eileen Lehman of Vancouver, WA. A Memorial Service will be held at the Chapel of the Abiding Presence at Texas Lutheran University on Sunday September 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Tim Bauerkemper officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sprit of Joy Lutheran Church, 562 S. Hwy. 123 Bypass, #250, Seguin, Texas, 78155.