Elwood Eugene Westphall Obituary (2024)

Elwood Eugene Westphall passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024 with his wife Dena by his side. Gene was born November 8, 1933 in Bakersfield, California. He was the youngest of four siblings. Gene didnt finish high school and enlisted shortly after his 18th birthday into the Navy. He was stationed on the USS Essex CVA-9 aircraft carrier from October 1952 to December 1960. He spent time in Korea and Kwajalein Marchell Island. While stationed in Pearl City, Hawaii one of Genes duties was lowering the U.S flag to half-mast over the U.S Arizona before todays present-day monument. Upon his honorable discharge Gene made his way back to Oregon where he completed his GED and was hired at the phone company as a frame man making .64 cents per hour. In the fall of 1966 Gene enrolled at Central Washington University on a rehabilitation grant from a previous accident. He received his bachelors degree and Master of Education degree. Gene went on and taught in the Thorp school district where he met and eventually married his wife, Dena. They made their home in Selah raising their family. Gene had several truck driving positions eventually retiring from Superior Asphalt. During his retirement Dena and their dog Lucy made three different trips across the country enjoying many adventures and exploring the many beautiful things it had to offer. They also enjoyed trips to the Oregon coast and Hawaii. In 2014 Gene and his son Rob were able to be part of an Honors flight to Washington DC. Gene was also given the Medal of Honor by General Moon Duk-No of Korea. Later, Gene enjoyed many casino trips in the PNW and to Vegas. He also found a lasting friendship with Ron and Carrie Anderson. When Gene wasnt traveling, he created a Facebook page about growing up in Bakersfield where he talked about his childhood, his life experiences, and political views. He titled his fb page "Uncle Genes Clubhouse", he formed more friendships and a few times even got together with some of the members for dinner. Gene was also a regular at Papa Bairds Restaurant where he affectionately gave the restaurant the nickname "Cheers" and everyone knew him. He even has a breakfast special named after him, the Geno! Gene always had a quick joke or a comment that would make anyone laugh. That restaurant was his second family! Gene is survived by his wife Dena of 52yrs, children Michele (Len) Riddle, Rob (Rociel) Westphall, Suzan Degner, Sonja (John) Kieslich and Barbara (Brent) Waler, and grandchildren Emiliee, Logan, Matt, Rebecca, Paulina, Kaiya, and Brent. A Celebration of Genes life will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2:00pm at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA 98936). A Reception will follow the service at Papa Bairds Restaurant (4108 Terrace Heights Drive, Yakima, WA 98901). Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Celebration of Life Brookside Funeral Home Monday, January 15, 2024 2:00 PM 500 W. Prospect Rd Moxee, WA 98936 Reception Papa Baird's Monday, January 15, 2024 3:30 PM 4108 Terrace Heights Dr Yakima, WA 98901