William E. “Bill/Skip” Westbrook, Sr.
December 26, 1932 - April 16, 2025
William E. “Bill/Skip” Westbrook, Sr., age 92, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
Born in Tyrone, PA on December 26, 1932, he was a son of the late William L. and Helen (Shawly) Westbrook. Bill was a graduate of Tyrone High School with the class of 1951, where he wrestled and played football. In 1950, he began serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard and transferred to the Delaware National Guard in 1952. Bill dedicated 42 years of service before retiring in 1992. In addition to the National Guard, he also worked at Gardner’s Peanut Store and General Motors.
A talented musician, Bill enjoyed playing the guitar, banjo, ukelele, harmonica, and Jew’s harp. He was a member of Kingswood United Methodist Church and served as a youth group counselor and trustee. Bill was also a member of the Boy Scouts Troop 603 as well as the American Legion. He was a handyman who liked to tinker with things, and enjoyed creating pictures out of reclaimed lath wood. Bill could often be found making wine and beer as well. He loved to go bowling and riding his bike, in addition to constructing his own double and triple bikes. Bill had a great sense of humor and always had a joke to tell. Most of all, he cherished his grandchildren and the time he spent with them. Bill loved playing in the pool with them and sang in talent shows with them. He was more than just a grandfather to his granddaughter, Angela, who he stepped up to be a surrogate father to when his son, Scott was deployed overseas.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his siblings, Carol Baum (Jim), Nancy Westbrook, and Charles Westbrook (Deanna); son-in-law, Frank Pragg; and great-granddaughter, Lily McElhaney. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Mary I. (Wagner) Westbrook; brother, Ronald Westbrook (Selena); children, Deborah Pragg, William Westbrook Jr. (Janet), and Scott Westbrook (Michelle); daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Westbrook; grandchildren, Matt Pragg (Lisa), Dwayne Pragg, Aileen McElhaney (Shawn), Derrick Westbrook (Mindy), Sara Westbrook, and Angela Westbrook; and great-grandchildren, Kylie Pragg, Cambria Westbrook, Rory McElhaney, and Zoe McElhaney.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 300 Marrows Road, Newark, DE 19713, where a funeral service will begin at 4 pm. Interment will be held privately in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Kingswood United Methodist Church, at the address listed above; or to AccentCare Hospice, 17855 North Dallas Parkway, Suite 200, Dallas, TX 75287 or online by clicking here.
Jane Mc Elhaney
Spencer and I thought the world of Mr. Westbrook , He was always happy and smiling, telling jokes and doing magic tricks. He brought joy to all of us, playing the harmonica or sitting at his great grandchildren’s baseball games. Thinking of all of you at this sad time especially Mrs. Westbrook. He will be truly missed! Spencer and Jane
Karen Gilbert
Mary and family. We are so sorry for the loss of Skip. He was a great person and loved everyone. He was a man that loved his family, friends and God! He will surely be missed. God now has a GREAT man. Skip can now rest in peace.Love to you all! 😢, Karen and Bonner
Rob Shay
So sad to hear of Mr Westbrook’s passing. He was truly a good man, and a great role model for us kids at Kingswood. My heart goes out to Mrs. Westbrook, and all the kids and their families.
Pamela Murray Wiseman
A lot of years have passed since I saw Skip at least 40 but I will always remember his sense of humor. I still have a picture of Skip and I doing something for a talent show at Kingswood. I pray that his family will find comfort in God during these sad times. Rest in peace Skip.
Marquita Matthews
My deepest condolences go out to the Westbrook family. I remembered Mr. Westbrook from the DEARNG. He always had a smile. RIP. Marquita Matthews, MSG ((Ret.) DEARNG
Alice Stinet
Skip was an amazing Christian man who devoted his life to his Kingswood church family
Rest in peace
With great admiration
Alice and Fred Stiner
MSG Chris R. Conner
Warrant Officer Westbrook was one fine soldier in the DANG! Everyone loved and respected him in so many ways. My condolences to his family and close friends.
Helen Duffy Grubb
Mr. Westbrook was my mentor when I was hired as a full time Supply Technician straight out of basic in 1974 at the age of 19. I was a nervous wreck, but how lucky was I to have him as a teacher. He was so kind and patient even after I set off the alarm to the Arms Room. (More than once) The job was a little overwhelming to me and I will never forget his humor and kindness. He made it so much easier. RIP Mr. Westbrook!
Pat Carlson
My deep condolences of the passing of your loved one Bill. My late husband Carl served in the Delaware National Guard with Bill. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.