Joseph Thomas Westwood

Joseph Thomas Westwood, III, 84, resident of Cleveland, Tennessee, died Thursday morning, August 17, 2017 in Monteagle, Tennessee. He endured a long battle with Alzheimer's. Tom was born July 22, 1933 in Independence, Missouri to Joseph Thomas Westwood, Jr. and Aletha Kathryn (Skinner) Westwood. The family move briefly to Lincoln, Nebraska. After several year the family returned to Independence, Missouri, permanently to join the family business, Blue Valley Foundry. The family was very active in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as Community of Christ as members and officiates.

Tom graduated from William Chrisman High School and went to the University of Kansas. He was in the ROTC and fulfilled his military obligation in the state of Maryland. He then returned to Independence to join the family business. Tom and his first wife had three children, Kirt, Joanne and Paul. Then met Barbara in 1979. They married in 1980. They have enjoyed 37 years of marriage side-by-side.

Tom and his younger brother Gerry were very close, as well as, ornery, funny and talented. They did impersonations of Abbott and Costello on Kansas City radio when they were adolescents. They were so good, and looked so much like them that they were once invited by the city of Kansas City to come to the airport and meet the comedy team when they were coming to town. As an adult, Tom loved music, particularly jazz. Stan Kenton was one of his very favorites. He led a church choir and sang in a community choir. He bowled on a league. He loved flying and at one time had his own plane. He loved boating! He spent close to 50 years boating in Colorado, Ohio, North Carolina and Florida.
Being a very personable man was a great asset in his days as a salesman. He was first interested in the person and their needs rather than what he wanted to sell. In Florida, Tom took great pride and reward in managing the community where he lived. He upgraded the landscaping and served the others in the community. Once retired, he spent hours transferring slides, home movies and photos to digital files.

Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara, three children, Kirtland (Wanda Fuller) North Carolina, Joanne, Cincinnati, and Paul, Cincinnati. Step-daughters Stephanie Goins Fields and Sydney (Joseph) Watson. Brother Gerry (Mary Jo Lukins) Columbia, Missouri. 6 step grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, August 25, from 4:00-6:00pm at Companion Funeral Home. Service will follow at 6:00pm. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.