ROCHELLE — Thomas Carpenter Westin, 84, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Rochelle Community Hospital in Rochelle, IL.  Tom was born on October 3, 1939 to Roy and Mildred (Carpenter) Westin in Rochelle. After high school, he proudly served with the United States Marines. On November 14, 1969, he married the love of his life, Rita Oliver, in Arlington, Virginia.

Tom was a test driver, boat builder and designer for Mercury Marine in Sarasota, Florida and an aircraft and instrument certified flight instructor at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida. He eventually took over the family farm in Flagg-Center where he farmed until retirement and proudly served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Flagg Center Fire Department for nearly 40 years.  

Tom enjoyed riding motorcycles, talking politics and had an incredible gift for mechanics. When he wasn’t in the field, he could be found working on numerous projects around the farm.  He enjoyed the various projects and never saw them as a chore.  He was a member of the Church of Christ and is now reunited with Rita in Paradise.

Tom is survived by his sons: Jay Westin of Holiday, FL, Beau (Amanda) Westin of Jacksonville, IL. He is also survived by his son, Oliver (Denise) Robiller of Wolfeboro, NH whom he had the pleasure of meeting later in his life. He is also survived by his three grandchildren: Nolan and Abigail Westin and Jordan Robiller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rita, on August 9, 1990 and his sister, Ann Hay.

The memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 P.M., Friday, January 26, 2024 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle.  The memorial service will follow at 6:00 P.M., Friday with Pastor Dominic Venuso officiating and military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the US Marines.  Memorials may be made in Tom’s memory to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.  Burial will be at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle at a later date.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.