William Derrick Westerwelle, age 47, passed away on January 22, 2021. He was a resident of San Luis, Colorado at the time and spent many years as a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. William was the husband of Jeanette (Hilmes) Westerwelle 1991-2009. In 2013, he celebrated a commitment ceremony with life partner Jen McBride.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas on February 28th, 1973, he was the son of Saundra (Dickens) Westerwelle and adoptive father Manfred G. Westerwelle by whom he is preceded in death.
William graduated high school in 1990 and later went on to attend massage therapy school after working in various sales positions. His family will remember his work at the Dayton tire factory as one of his most successful careers.
William was an affectionate partner, creative cook, pet lover, and had recently developed a green thumb while in Colorado gardening vegetables and herbs. His children loved growing up watching movies and playing videogames with him. William loved to be entertained and have a good time while with his loved ones.
Known lovingly as Will, Derrick, Dad and by his grandchildren as “Poppy”, he will be missed by many generations. He is survived by his mother Saundra (Dickens) Westerwelle, loves of his life Jeanette (Hilmes) Westerwelle and Jen McBride, son Jordan Bradley Westerwelle, daughter Mara Elizabeth Westerwelle, and granddaughters Annaliese M. Westerwelle and Lillian J. Westerwelle. This Spring his memory will continue to live on with the birth of his third granddaughter, Daphne R. Westerwelle.
The family welcomes you to share your favorite memories of William with them below.
Jackie Cox
30 Jan 2021Rest in peace cousin. All my love and prayers to his children and his mother Saundra. We love you.
Ellen West
18 Feb 2021I always loved doing dishes with Derrick at your Mom’s. He would laugh as he put them in the dishwasher and say, “no need to put them in here, Ellen has already washed them”. He had such a great sense of humor. He will certainly be missed. Love you Derrick.
Saundra Westerwelle
22 Feb 2021He was my son. My only child. I loved him more than words can express. He was intelligent, bright and so funny. His laugh was contagious. I know he loved me just as much as I loved him. I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. There are no words to express how deep my grief is my heart will never heal. We are not supposed to bury our children.
Amanda Dickens
22 Feb 2021All my prayers
RIP cousin