Obituary of Donald Eugene Westerheide

Dr. Donald Westerheide, 83, passed away on December 8, 2019 into the arms of his Savior.Don was born to Henry and Mildred Westerheide in New Bremen, Ohio. He was a devoted husband of 58 years to his wife, Joan, and a proud father of 4 sons, grandfather of 9 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 1 great-grandson.Don was dedicated to his work. He graduated from The University of Dayton with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering. He then proceeded to receive a Master’s Degree from The University of Illinois, a PhD from Iowa State University, and a MBA from The University of Texas at Arlington. Don was published in 23 scientific and engineering articles and contributed to 2 major textbooks. While at The University of Dayton, he worked on numerous research projects. Because of his intelligence and dedication, Don had top secret security clearances working on nuclear programs before he graduated from college. During his summers at school, he also worked at NCR on the development and invention team to drive the creation of No Carbon Required Paper, Time Release Aspirin and perfumes.Don taught evening classes at UTA for several years. Don worked at General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin where he retired as VP of Enterprise Integration, Aeronautics Sector after 35 years of service. He worked on the Saturn Five, fly-by-wire technology in the F16, and stealth technology flying undetected by radar. Most of his work was classified under the Skunk Works programs. He was a pioneer in military defense systems and programs. After his retirement, he joined the ISX Corporation as President and CEO, board member and consultant until acquired by Lockheed Martin.Don took pride in his community and was involved in many organizations. Don was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the American Chemical Society for 60 years and the Sports Car Club of America for 58 years where he raced cars and officiated. Don had been active in CALS movement since its inception. He served as Chairman on several domestic and international Boards of Directors including Nexprise, International CALS Congress, Association for Enterprise Integration, and U.S. CALS Industry Steering Group. Don also had a passion for contributing to his local community. He spent numerous years volunteering at the Ridglea Pool Association, a local Fort Worth pool, where he and Joan taught the boys to swim and some of the boys then taught their children to swim years later. Up until a couple of years ago, Don would still go up to Ridglea pool to help work on the pool pumps.Don had an adventurous and curious soul, and he could never sit still. While he dedicated much of his life to his work, he also dedicated his life to his family, which he considered one of the most important things in life. Don made a promise to his wife, Joan, that he would take her anywhere in the world she wanted to go, and that he did – Don and Joan traveled to all 7 continents. Don also loved to ski and picked up the hobby when he was 50 years old, never letting age define him. Don’s hobbies also included water sports, bicycling, jogging, and gardening.Survivors: Joan, his wife of 58 years; children, Jeff and his wife, Gaye, Dr. William, Tom and his wife Teri, and Steve and his wife, Christy; grandchildren, Emily, Whitney, John, Alec, Wade, Edie, Jewel, and Wyatt Westerheide, Erica and Matt Goldstein; and great grandchild, Ledger.The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and hospice members who looked after Don.