August Ernest “Gus” Westhoff II
On November 23, 2024, our beloved Husband, Dad, and “Dandy,” Gus Westhoff, departed this world for his heavenly home. August Ernest “Gus” Westhoff II was born July 11, 1947, to Sarah Mavis and William Tips Westhoff, Jr. in Victoria, TX.
Gus graduated from Edna High School in 1965 and went on to earn a degree in Plant Science from Sam Houston State University. He married the love of his life, Judy Vance Westhoff, on August 16, 1969. They settled in Edna to begin their family and Gus’ long career at Westhoff Mercantile Co. He was very proud of the long history of his family company, which was founded in 1889 by his great-great grandfather.
Gus served his community on many committees, including the Boards of the Edna Independent School District, the Jackson County Bank, and the Lavaca Navidad River Authority. He also served as the President of the Board of St. Agnes Catholic Church and as President of the Edna Lions Club.
In high school, Gus played football, and although he never played past high school, his love of the game led to becoming a football referee. He refereed many local and area games and then moved on to larger school games in the Houston area. The highlights of this refereeing career were calling a state playoff game in the Astrodome and another in Texas Stadium in Dallas.
In his younger years, Gus loved to rodeo. He inherited this love of rodeo from his father. Horseback riding, tie-down calf roping, heading and healing, and cutting horses were a few of his favorite things to do on his family’s ranch. In later years, if you couldn’t find him whistling around the store and assisting customers, you could find him playing 18 holes, tending to his garden, flying his plane, attending over 30 years of dance recitals for his girls, jogging to the Pointer Sisters, catching a big red fish, or hitting the slopes on a family ski trip.
Gus is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Westhoff, their three daughters, Elizabeth Anne Simons and her husband, Travis, of Inez; Laura Catherine Chessher and her husband, Reagan, of College Station; and Anna Dell Pack and her husband, Sam, of Sugar Land. Gus is also survived by his grandchildren, West Simons, Kate Simons, Callaway Chessher, Caroline Chessher, Briggs Pack, and Loc Pack, as well as his brothers and sisters, Kay and Bill Cratty, Fred and Lisa Westhoff, and Cindy and Merritt McNeel.
Pallbearers for his service included Travis Simons, Reagan Chessher, Sam Pack, Blake Westhoff, William Westhoff, John Vance, Cullen Vance, and West Simons. Honorary Pallbearers are Callaway Chessher, Briggs Pack, and Loc Pack.
Gus will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna.
Memorials may be given to the Everard and Bertha Dell McDowell Memorial Scholarship, in care of Citizens State Bank, 701 N. Wells St. Edna, Texas 77957. This memorial scholarship is awarded annually to an Edna High School student pursuing a career in education.
Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221.