William I. Westphal

William Irvin (Bill) Westphal, age 76 of Avon, IN, passed away on 1 February 2020 at IU West Hospital surrounded by his 2 sons.  He was the son of the late Mary (Long) Westphal and Fred Westphal and was born in Lima, OH on 9 December 1943.

He graduated from Lafayette-Jackson High School in Lafayette, OH and subsequently earned his undergraduate degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from The Ohio State University.  Upon graduation, he began a career in aerospace engineering that spanned over 50 years including work with General Electric, Mitsubishi, Rolls-Royce, Microcraft, Belcan, as well as various other companies. 

Dedicated to life-long learning, he continued his education by earning a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati, a master’s degree in business administration from Kennesaw State (GA) University, and a master’s degree in project management from Penn State University. 

William’s past associations include Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol (Georgia Mission Pilot and Wing Personnel Officer), and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

He had a passion for adventure, including driving and racing sports cars, flying, diving, and participating in sports.  He participated in the Mini Marathon for a number of years and in the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, GA for more than 30 years.  He also enjoyed gardening, photography, birding, and nature.  He was a master gardener in the Hendricks County program.  Just before turning 60, he commenced mountain climbing, starting with summiting Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.  Other notable peaks he summited include Torreys Peak in Colorado, Aletschorn & Rimpfischhorn in Switzerland, Inshinca & Huapi in Peru, Aconcagua in Argentina and Mount Elbrus in Soviet Georgia.  

William is survived by his wife, Beverly Westphal; the mother of his sons, Therese Westphal; his sons, Kevin Westphal and Brian Westphal; daughter-in-law, Angela Westphal; and his granddaughter, Ellen Westphal.  He was predeceased by his father, Fred Westphal; his mother, Mary Westphal; and sister, Dorothy Ann Westphal. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in William’s memory. 

Arrangements are being handled by Bell Mortuary & Crematory, Royster-Askin-Sandrock Chapel, 2310 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222.

Online condolences can be made at www.bellmortuary.com

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