Albert Carl Westphal

Albert Carl Westphal, 86, of Gladstone, MO passed away Saturday, April 3, 2010.

He was born on March 20, 1924 to Fred William and Emma Elizabeth (Zierlein) Westphal in Harlan, KS. Al grew up and attended school in Wichita, KS. He then served his country in the US Navy during WWII as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate.

On August 10, 1949 he was united in marriage to Betty Jewel Rhodes. After their marriage they lived in Salina, KS, later moving to Seattle, WA and in 1958 they moved to Gladstone where they made their home. In 2002, Al lost his wife of over 50 years, leaving a huge void in his life from which he never recovered.

Al was an entrepreneur who purchased and developed investment property, and at the same time worked at Comfort Equipment Company designing cabs for farm equipment. In 1963, he went into partnership with a good friend, Bob Vidricksen, and they built a self service car wash in Salina, KS, which at that time, was a innovative idea. They owned and operated it until 1982.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #1432.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Nora May and Teresa Chandler, and his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Westphal.

Al is survived by his son, Kurt V. Westphal and partner, JoDee Brasel; daughter, Kimberly L. Sincox and husband, Jim; two grandchildren, Alicia Neth and husband, Zac and Keith Westphal; one great-grandson, Preston Westphal.

Memorial Service with Military Honors: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 10^th at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1432, 1108 W. Crawford, Salina, KS, 67401