Robert LeRoy Westgate, 83

Robert LeRoy Westgate of Jewell, KS passed Tuesday June 30, 2026, at the 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, 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 Sergent 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 will be Monday July 6, 2026 from 2pm - 7pm with the family receiving friends from 5pm -7pm at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell, KS

Funeral Services will be Tuesday July 7, 2026 at 10:30am at the Jewell Trinity Church, Jewell, KS with Pastor Al Paredes officiating.

The burial will follow at Wallace Cemetery, Jewell, KS.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are suggested to the Jewell Trinity Church or to Sunset Home.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com

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Robert LeRoy Westgate, 83

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