The Denison Press
Tuesday, October 19, 1937
pg.1

KATY BRAKEMAN IS ACCIDENTLY  KILLED TUESDAY
Occurs Near McAlester, but Details Lacking Shortly Before Noon Tuesday Here Joe R. Westbrook, Jr., 34-year-old Katy brakeman was accidentally killed about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday near Rigsdale, several miles east of McAlester, Oklahoma, while
discharging his duties on the Wilburton local, according to information received here.
Just how his death occurred was not learned.
Mr. Westbrook was born in Whitewright, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Westbrook, December 19, 1902 and moved to Denison with his family while a small child.  He received his education in the local public schools, graduating from the high school here in 1919.
He began his duties in M-K-T service as yard clerk at Ray Terminal serving in that capacity for 10 years, resigning to accept employment with J.K. Jones.  He went back into Katy service November 20, 1931, this time as brakeman.
He was married to Miss Esther Clarke in Durant, July 17, 1923 and resided at 1406 West Gandy street.
Mr. Westbrook left Denison on No.4 Monday for duty on the Wilburton local.  He and Engineer M.J. Brady were the only Denison men on the entire crew, others being: Conductor J.C. Jones of Muskogee, Fireman M.A. Munn of McAlester and Brakeman Essex Maupin of Muskogee.
Surviving are 2 sons, Donald E. and Robin A.; 1 daughter, Joan Adele, all of Denison; 2 aunts, Mrs. Sam Barrett of Pampa and Mrs. Esther Bothe of Denison and an uncle, H. Ragsdale of Bay City.
Also surviving are 5 brothers, LeRoy, Frank, Ted and John of Denison and Bill Westbrook of Hugo.
The remains will be brought to Denison overland by Short-Murray funeral director.
Funeral arrangements are pending, awaiting word of distant relatives.

The Denison Press
Wednesday, October 20, 1937
pg. 1

WESTBROOK SERVICES THURSDAY AFTERNOON
Funeral services for Joe R. Westbrook, Jr., 34-year-old Katy brakeman instantly killed Tuesday morning near Rigsdale, several miles east of McAlester, Oklahoma, when his head struck an obstruction as he was riding a coal car on the Wilburton local, resulting in a skull fracture, will be held Thursday afternoon at Short-Murray chapel, Rev. D.E. Hawk, Waples Memorial pastor, officiating.
Interment will be held at Fairview cemetery with Short-Murray directing and services by the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen of which he was a member.  The remains will lie in state at the chapel until the funeral.
Pallbearers will be E.E. Rymes, John H. Fairbanks, Jack Oram, Roy Hussey, Harold L. Love and Clarence Dussenberry.