COLUMBUS -- Lawrence V. Westervelt, 87, of rural Columbus died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at Freeman Health Systems in Joplin after an illness.

He was born May 5, 1921, at rural Hallowell to Cloyd and Edith Guy Westervelt. He was a lifelong Cherokee County resident and farmer and cattleman. He attended Crossroads, Liberty and Pioneer No. 1 schools, West Mineral High School for two years and graduated from Cherokee County Community High School in 1939.

He married Dorothea Hill on Sept. 22, 1948, at the Christian Church in Oswego. She survives of the home.

Survivors also include a son, Ronnie Westervelt; a daughter, Rita Westervelt; a sister, Betty Westervelt of Oswego; a brother, Wyman Westervelt of rural Hallowell; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 1 p.m. today at Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus. The graveside funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Park Cemetery in Columbus.

Memorials are suggested to the Columbus Foundation and may be left at or sent to the funeral home, 323 S. Kansas, Columbus, 66725.