Lloyd Milton Westphal Jr.

Westphal, Lloyd Jr.
              On March 7, 2016 at 7:21 PM, Captain Lloyd M. Westphal Jr., U.S. Navy Retired, took his final flight from earth.  His flight plan was to leave his physical being behind to soar the heavens.
Lloyd was born in Stockton, CA on June 9, 1929, the only child of Lloyd M. Westphal, Sr., and Minnie Waltz Westphal.  After graduation from Stanford University in 1951 he began flight training as a Naval Aviation Cadet and was designated a Naval Aviator and commissioned in 1953.  During his career, he served in several fighter/light attack squadrons (was Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 81) and deployed on various aircraft carriers to the Western Pacific, North Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea including the USS Yorktown CVA-10, USS Ranger CVA-61, USS Shangri-la CVA-38, USS John F. Kennedy CVA-67 and the USS Independence CVA-62.  
In addition to his flying assignments he earned a Masters Degree in International Relations from George Washington University.  While stationed at the Pentagon as part of the International Negotiations Directorate he participated in arms control negotiations with the Warsaw Pact in Vienna, Austria. Later, he was later Head of the Inspections Directorate with the Defense Nuclear Agency, KAFB, Albuquerque, NM.
Lloyd retired from the Navy as a Captain in 1978, having logged more than 4,500 flight hours, 750 carrier landings and 200 combat missions during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.  His personal awards include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Meritorious Service Medal, 16 Air Medals, and a Navy Commendation Medal with a combat V.  Following retirement, Lloyd earned an MBA degree from UNM and became a practicing CPA in Albuquerque from 1981 through 1992 with the firm of Balkcom and Pearsall.
Upon his second retirement, he and his wife Anita began playing golf and joined the Rio Rancho Golf & Country Club in 1992.  They were fortunate to travel the world for golfing pleasure, and exploring the wonders of our world, extending their "honeymoon" into their later years.
Lloyd is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 49 years, Anita; loving children Max Westphal of Ventura, CA; Jerry Westphal of Miramar Beach, FL; Devon Westphal of Albuquerque; Suzette Walker and her husband Barry Walker of Jemez Springs, NM; Captain Christopher Westphal, USN and his wife Kristin of Kaneohe, HI; seven wonderful grandchildren:  Kyle Gearen and his wife Christie of Ft. Meade, MD; Shane Gearen and his wife Erika of Big Lake, MN; Emma Phillips of Albuquerque; Jack, Megan and Katy Westphal of Kaneohe, HI; Lacy Gingerich and her husband Kent of Pomeroy, WA; four sensational great-grandchildren:  Jadence, Abbygail and Allie Mae Gingerich of Pomeroy, WA; Madison Gearen of Ft. Meade, MD and a new one on the way in September.  Thus, his legacy continues.
Lloyd also leaves behind his two cousins:  Suzanne Sale and her husband Doug of Red Bluff, CA and Brock Smith and his wife Connie of Yuba City, CA, as well as his beloved sisters-in-law, Sharon Harrison and her husband Bill of Phoenix, AZ and Debbie Packard (Wonder Woman) of Jemez Springs, NM; and his brother-in-law Bruce Childers.
Anita's deepest gratitude and appreciation goes to her sisters Sharon and Debbie, her daughters Devon and Suzette, and Jessica "that little red-haired girl"  - all of who cared so lovingly for Lloyd.  Special thanks to Ambercare Hospice and their sensitive, loving health professionals who were so supportive to the family.
Celebrating Lloyd's life and legacy will be on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Daniel's Funeral Home, 4310 Sara Rd SE, Rio Rancho at 1:30 PM.  Interment will take place on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30 PM with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers the family requests you honor Lloyd by donating to The Salvation Army (www.salvationarmyusa.org), or the U.S.O. (www.USO.org). To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920