Mel was a decorated, combat veteran mastering both AC-47 and B-52 aircraft and concluded his 25 years of service to this nation as a Strategic Air Command Inspector General. Upon retiring from military service he established Bayou Buffalo Incorporated where he and Gayle managed a herd of buffalo and surrounded themselves with an ever-expanding menagerie of God’s creatures to include various species of chickens, ducks, geese, burros, horses, cattle and Emu. As an avid outdoorsman and conservator, Mel was often sought-out for advice even from Game Wardens from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. He was a successful fisherman and chased his passion for hunting across the US and Africa. Mel fueled his creativity as an accomplished, master woodworker, creating beautiful furniture for the love of his life and many mementos and gifts. He found beauty and humor in God’s creatures…especially squirrel videos! Mel mentored countless youth as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He was sought out for his sage advice and at times, harsh but loving honesty. He was a devout and faithful servant of God and his philanthropy work was accomplished through the Knights of Columbus as a Past Grand Knight of Council 10728, Past Faithful Navigator of the Bishop Daniel F. Desmond Assembly 324, and Past District Deputy for the State of Louisiana, Knights of Columbus. Perhaps his greatest gift of all was his ability to make people smile, laugh and feel welcomed and loved.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Stephen Westerfield. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Gayle; children: Tiffany Olsen (Peter), and Marie Canale (David); 4 grandchildren: Isabella, Olivia, Lena, and Joseph; siblings: Paul Jr., Michael, and William Westerfield.
Visitation Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 from 5:00-6:30PM, with a Rosary and Vigil Service from 6:30-7:00PM at Hillcrest Funeral Home Chapel in Haughton, LA. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00AM Friday, Nov 12 at St. John Berchmans Cathedral in Shreveport followed by military honors at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank his many doctors and especially the ladies at the Fresenius Dialysis Center and Regional Hospice for taking such good care of him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St Jude Children’s Hospital, or Boys Town of Omaha.
