Ardis Marion Westbrook

Sam Westbrook, of Abilene, died Wednesday, January 23, 2008 after a lengthy illness, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was 84. Memorial services, with Rev. Greg Kennedy officiating, will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 28, 2008 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A reception will follow the memorial service at the church. Private graveside services will be held for the family. There will be no scheduled visitation at the funeral home. July 28, 1923, Sam was born in Nolan County to Ardis Smith Westbrook and Lucy May (Edington) Westbrook. He grew-up in Abilene, moving to Lubbock with his parents, while in high school. Sam graduated from high school in Lubbock in 1941. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Sam went to work as an engineer for Anderson Clayton in Houston. In 1955, Sam and his brother-in-law, Neil Hawkins, started Hawkins and Westbrook Construction Company. They were active in the commercial construction and paving business, completing numerous commercial and government paving projects across Texas. Some of Hawkins and Westbrook's projects included the original Abilene Zoo and the commissary at Dyess Air Force Base. They also completed commercial projects in Texas for AT & T. Sam was a successful businessman and was greatly admired by his peers. July 1, 1964, Sam married Ila Beth Hester in Abilene, Texas. They were active members of St. Paul United Methodist Church and especially enjoyed the many friends they made through the Griswold Sunday School class. In addition to the time he devoted to his family, Sam also enjoyed spending Saturday afternoons on the golf course at the Abilene Country Club. After he retired from the construction business, Sam and Ila Beth traveled extensively around the world. In his younger days, he was an accomplished bowler, winning many local tournaments. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Preceding Sam in death were his parents, Ardis and Lucy Westbrook, and his sister, Verna Emma Hawkins. He is survived by his wife, Ila Beth Westbrook, of Abilene; his daughter and son-in-law, Molly and John Hill, of Abilene; his grandchildren, Jane Grace and Ruth Ellen; his nephews, Joe and Wayne Hawkins; one cousin, June Walker; and many other relatives and friends. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice of the Big Country for their kindness and compassion shown during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, Texas 79605; or to the donor's favorite charity.