Robert LeRoy Westgate of Jewell, KS, passed Tuesday June 30, 2026, at Sunset Home in Concordia, KS, at the age of 83.
He was born in Tecumseh, Michigan, December 12, 1942, to Ralph Ingersoll Westgate and Charlotte Irene Starkey Westgate. Robert grew up in Blissfield, Michigan. After graduating from high school, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps on June 20, 1962, stayed to 1966; Marine Corps Reserve 1966 -1971, from 1973 to 1994 Army National Guard and Army Reserve, retired from Army reserve 1994 at Rank of Sergeant 1st Class. He started school in San Diego at Mesa College and finished 2 years in 1969.
He met Sandra Neill in San Diego, and they were married on July 20, 1969, the day the astronauts landed on the moon. They left San Diego and went to Kansas. Robert attended Wichita State and finished his bachelor’s degree in 1971. After graduating, they went back to Michigan where he taught for 1 year, then they returned to Colby, KS, where he taught 8th grade History and Social Studies for 8 years. In 1980, they moved to Jewell, KS, where he taught 8th grade in Randall, KS, until he retired on September 1, 2001.
After Robert retired, he and Sandy became members of a Retired Military Camping Group, Kansas Calvary, and had many enjoyable trips in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
Robert enjoyed working in his garage making various wood projects; he always wanted a log cabin, so when Bob and Sandy moved into their current home he added on a log cabin style front porch to the existing home.
Robert had many hobbies - hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and crafted his knowledge of sausage making and bread making. Robert also enjoyed family gatherings for the annual winter hog butchering project or spring and summer fish fries.
Robert was preceded in death by Ralph Ingersoll Westgate (father), Charlotte Starkey Westgate–Malady (mother); brothers Charles Westgate, William “Bill “Westgate – wife Ruth; sisters Pearl Johns – husbands Junior and Howard; Marion Staup - husbands Gale and Leonard, brother-in-laws Ray Custard, Mike Neill and Lynn Cameron.
Robert is survived by his wife Sandra Westgate of Jewell; daughter Judy Edwards (David) of Concordia; sons Rob Westgate (Kristi) of Mankato and Rick Westgate of Topeka; grandchildren Keenan Edwards, Brenton Edwards, Bradin Westgate, Kael Westgate, Josie Westgate and Riley Westgate; great granddaughter Wrenlee May Westgate; sister-in-laws Carol Custard-Cameron and Mary Westgate; many nieces and nephews, to remember him.
Visitation was Monday July 6, 2026, from 2–7 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, KS.
Funeral Services were Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at the Jewell Trinity Church, Jewell, KS, with Pastor Al Paredes officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jewell Trinity Church or to Sunset Home.
For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.
