Fred Lee Westerhold

1946 - 2011

Fred Lee Westerhold, 64, of White Hall, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Carrollton, the son of Leo John and Jeanne Lorton Westerhold. He married Peggy Turnbaugh on Nov. 25, 1977, at the Barrow Baptist Church, and she survives.
He is also survived by two stepsons, Marvin (Cheryl) Gillis of Beardstown and Michael (Linda) Gillis of Pittsfield; and granddaughters, Molly Gillis of Pittsfield and Alexis Gillis of White Hall. He is also survived by a sister, Mary (Bruce) Milner of Woodson; two nieces; and several cousins. His parents preceded him in death.
Fred was a lifelong farmer, and understood the importance of land ownership and management. He had a keen sense of the lay of the ground, very aware of the capabilities of the land and respected it for what it meant to growing corn, soybean and wheat crops to help supply the needs of global markets. He looked forward each spring to plowing and working the ground, the smell of fresh dirt and watching the stages of crop growth to harvest time. Fred enjoyed frequenting the local diner, Cookies, and the local elevator to swap farming stories. He was a fan of high school sports and enjoyed watching the rivalry between local teams. Fred enjoyed playing cards and poker trips to Tunica with his "card buddies." His love of good food, garden produce and orchard fruit came from hearty meals shared at the family farm. He also enjoyed deer hunting and looking for mushrooms. He was a member of the White Hall Drag-O-Way Car Club. Fred was a happy-go-lucky mellow fellow.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in White Hall, with burial at Pine Tree Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to G Cares animal rescue. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.