He was a native and lifelong resident of Choupique. Herman was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran having served in the 101st Airborne, Fifth Infantry Division "Red Devils", and he received the Good Conduct Medal. He enjoyed fishing, frogging, shrimping, alligator and duck hunting, and reading, especially Louis L'amour novels and National Geographic magazines. Herman was a kind man that had a concern for others. It is often said that he would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. He always had a smile for everyone, a great sense of humor, and a relatability that made one feel like he was their best friend. Although, not large in stature he made up for it in his strength of spirit. He was a fighter and a survivor.
He loved his daughter and never missed a chance to tell her. She will greatly miss his birthday and holiday phone calls as well as the ones of “Hey, baby, I’m just checking on you”.
The memory of this beautiful soul will be in our hearts forever.
Survivors include his daughter, Britta Erin Fancher and husband, Brandon of Sulphur; his siblings, Teddy Westlund of Carlyss, Dolores Westlund of Vidor, Texas, Alton "Cotton" Westlund of Sulphur, and Rodney Westlund and wife, Sue of Eunice; and his grandchildren, Logan Fancher, Cammi Fancher, Myah Fancher and Auston Fancher. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest "Chili" Westlund, Sr. and Enola Benoit Westlund; siblings, Annette Westlund and Ernest "Buddy" Westlund, Jr; and his beloved dogs, "Hackberry" and "Choupique".
A Celebration of Herman's Life will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 5, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dutch Cove Cemetery in Carlyss. Pallbearers will be Auston Fancher, Logan Fancher, Rene "Punkin" Ryder, Chris Ryder, Alton "Bubba" Westlund, Jr, Brent Hoffpauir, and Luke Coffey. Visitation is from 4-9 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to help with expenses. Words of comfort and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
