[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E197-E198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. BILLY JOE WESTBROOK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 15, 2018

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of World War 
II veteran and dear friend, Dr. Billy Joe Westbrook of Channelview, 
Texas. Dr. Westbrook went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2018 at 
the age of 91.
  He was born on November 8, 1926 in a house three miles west of 
Electra, Texas. His parents were caring and hardworking people who 
instilled those same qualities in their sons. His long life was defined 
by determination and honor and like his parents, he worked hard and 
gave much.
  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a medic, which led 
him to dentistry. He graduated from Midwestern University with a B.S. 
in Chemistry then earned a D.D.S from the University of Texas, 
graduating in the top 10 percent of his class.
  During the Korean War he entered the Air Force as a dental officer. 
After serving honorably, B.J. opened a dental practice in Columbus, 
Texas then moved to the Northeast area of Houston where he became 
heavily involved in its civic, political, medical and educational 
communities. In 1958, he and a group of local businessmen founded the 
Rotary Club of North Shore, Houston, Texas. Their signature event, the 
Rotary Club Catfish Crawfish Boil currently raises over $300,000 
annually.
  B.J. was passionate about serving people above himself. He served on 
many state and collegiate boards and was president of the Harris County 
Fresh Water District 51 for fifty years. In recognition of his many 
contributions Westbrook Street, located in East Houston, was named 
after him. Though an avid hunter, fisherman, scuba diver and pilot, his 
first love was people. His vision, philanthropy and laughter made him 
an icon and hero to all who knew him.
  B.J. was married to Rosalie Westbrook for sixty years until she 
passed away in 2007. Their middle daughter, Marcie, died in 2015. He is 
survived by his two daughters Renee

[[Page E198]]

and Mickie, two brothers Ken and Floyd Westbrook, and host of adoring 
nephews, nieces and friends.
  My prayers are with the family and friends of Dr. Westbrook. He had a 
full life and will be missed

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