Stephen
Brent Westmeyer, age 59 of Bourbon County, KY, son of Jesse
H. Westmeyer Sr. and Leona Josephine Westmeyer of Versailles,
IN passed away April 16, 2008 from a massive heart attack
at his mother’s home in Versailles, IN. Mr. Westmeyer
was born OCT 28,1948 in Batesville, IN. His Father Jesse Sr.
preceded him in death. His brothers Jesse H. Jr. and David
E. survive. Mr. Westmeyer is a veteran of the Viet Nam era
having served in the USAF with the 5074th AB SQ (Security
Police) at Wildwood AFB in Alaska. He also served with the
64th Missile SQ in South Dakota at Ellsworth AFB. After being
discharged Steve entered Eastern Ky. University and completed
his education by earning an Associate and Bachelor degree
in Law Enforcement. While a student, he served with the EKU
police as a patrol officer and relief supervisor. Steve entered
the insurance claims field in 1974 with the Western Ins. Companies.
He also worked with U.S. F & G., Livestock Adjusters,
Inc, American Bankers Insurance Co. and finished his 34-year
career as owner and operator of CCS Mid-State Claims. Steve
began the ESP (Equine Salvage Program) for salvaging horses
while he was a livestock adjuster for American Bankers Ins.
His efforts led to the recovery and saving of approximately
30 horses that otherwise would have been destroyed. A believer
in education, Steve earned his AIC (Associate in Claims) designation
from the Insurance Institute of America and his SCLA (Sr.
Claims Law Assoc.) designation from the American Education
Institute as well as earning his CPIM (Certified Professional
Insurance Man) from the National Association of Insurance
Women. Steve was an avid golfer, a self-taught harmonica player
and enjoyed being a certified scuba diver; having dived in
both Tahiti and in the Mediterranean Sea. He enjoyed his family,
his friends and traveling with both, as well as being at home
on the family’s Shady Brook Farm with his dogs and cats.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ann Lane Barkley-Westmeyer
and his beautiful daughter, Elizabeth. Ann and Steve were
the first parents of an In-vitro birth in Kentucky and Steve
was very proud of his daughter. A Past Master of Lexington
Lodge #1 F & AM, Steve also served on numerous committees
and as the lodge treasurer and was presented his 25 year pin
in 2007. He was a member of the Lexington Consistory of the
Scottish Rite and had his 32-degree. He was very proud to
be the Master of Lexington Lodge #1 in the year preceding
it’s 200th Anniversary. Steve served as President of
the Bluegrass Claims Association where he was a 34-year member,
past board member for the Kentucky State Claims Association
and was a member and served 2 terms on the board of the Northern
Kentucky Association of Insurance Professionals. Steve enjoyed
being a member of the Thoroughbred Club of America and celebrated
the Derby and Oaks every year. He was also a proud Kentucky
Colonel. He was fiercely loyal and protective of his friends
and family. Steve loved life and enjoyed a good sense of humor.
He was well known to always have a joke, a funny story or
something of amusement to relate to his friends. An American
Legion memorial service and visitation will be held from 1-3
p.m. on Friday, April 25th at Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home
in Versailles, Indiana. On Saturday, April 26th at 3 P.M.,
funeral services will be held at Milward Funeral home on North
Broadway in Lexington, Kentucky. Masonic services will immediately
precede the funeral services. Visitation will be from 1-3
P.M. Private family services for Internment at the Lexington
Cemetery will be held at a later date. Remembrances may be
made to the Jesse H. Westmeyer, Sr. Scholarship Fund or the
Rita T. Spillman Scholarship Fund through Milward Funeral
Home.