James "Leon" Westbrook

James “Leon” Westbrook passed peacefully from this life Tuesday morning, March 8, 2022, in Norman, OK, surrounded by family.

He was born February 26, 1940, in Glover, OK to parents, William “Bill” and Louise (Jackson) Westbrook.

Leon graduated from Broken Bow High School Class of 1959 and followed his high school sweetheart, Sue Kellum, to California where they married in El Centro in 1961. He worked for Producers Cotton Oil Company for over 30 years before becoming Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Superior Cattle Feeders, a custom cattle feeding business.

He was an active member of their community, earning Honorary Chapter Farmer’s Degrees from both Calipatria, CA and Brawley, CA FFA programs and served for 14 years in the Calipatria 4-H Club as Beef Leader. He was a sponsor of the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, an active Stockman’s Club Member and served on the Calipatria Unified School District Board of Trustees. He was a member of Imperial County Sheriff’s Posse as well.

He loved building dune buggies and riding 3-wheelers in the California desert washes. He was very proud of his homemade/custom 30 foot BBQ grill and loved to use it to cook for fundraisers, campaigns, etc.

In 2000, Sue and Leon “retired” back to Oklahoma, to the farm they worked so hard their entire lives to build.  Here, Leon loved feeding his cattle, riding through the pastures, and watching the deer and cattle graze. He served his community, McCurtain County, as the Chairman of Rural Water District #8, serving during the construction of the new water plant.

Above all else, Leon loved being with his family. His “girls”, Sue, Susie, and Tara meant the world to him. He was the provider and protector their entire lives. “Leon” became “Papaw” to Ali, Austin, Adam, and eventually, his great-granddaughter, Tatum. He was so proud of every little thing they did and made sure to tell everyone about it. Leon was full of love and was quick to say “I love you babe!” with a tight hand squeeze. His family was his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Louise Westbrook; brother, TJ Westbrook; sisters, Sue Harcrow (Dale) Alice Keeney (Orville); brothers-in-law (close friends), Benny Strawn, Charles “Buddy” Brown, Dwayne Kellum and Tom Kemp.

Leon leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Sue, of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Phil Beauchamp and Tara and Eric Woods; brother and sister-in-law Earl and Joyce Westbrook; sister, Linda Strawn; granddaughter, Ali Lisenbery (David), grandsons, Austin Beauchamp (Kenzie) and Adam Woods; great-granddaughter, Tatum Lisenbery; a host of family and friends.

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