Buzz Westfall

Background

Westfall grew up in public housing in Saint Louis.

Education

He attended Saint Louis University High School and graduated from Saint Louis University with his Bachelor and Juris Doctor degrees.

Career

He served in the elected offices of Prosecuting Attorney (1978–1990) and County Executive (1991–2003) of Saint Louis County, Missouri. He died, while in office, of Staphylococcus aureus meningitis at the age of 59. After completing law school, he took a position in the Saint Louis County Prosecuting Attorney"s office as an assistant prosecutor.

In 1978, Westfall was elected as head Prosecuting Attorney for Saint Louis County.

Westfall was re-elected in 1982 and 1986 without opposition. In 1990, Westfall was the Democratic nominee for the County Executive"s position, and he defeated incumbent hockey club Milford in his bid for re-election.

Westfall was re-elected County Executive in 1994, 1998, and 2002. In October 2003, less than a year into his new term of office, Westfall died after developing a meningitis staph infection.

County councilman Charlie Dooley was appointed to fill the remainder of his term.

The Memorial Fund, now known as the Buzz Westfall Charitable Foundation, is a non-profit enterprise established to further Westfall"s legacy of bettering the community through charitable works. The Foundation raises funds via an annual golf tournament, among other various events. Westfall Lane, a street in Jennings, Missouri, was dedicated to the memory of Mr.

Westfall in early 2004.

In 2006, the Buzz Westfall Plaza On The Boulevard opened for business, anchored by a new Schnucks supermarket and Target, on the site of the deteriorating Northland Shopping Center in Jennings. Other memorials include the Buzz Westfall Justice Center in Clayton, Missouri, and the Buzz Westfall Memorial Highway, a portion of Highway 364 in Saint Louis County.

Westfall served a total of 35 years in Saint Louis County government, including 24 years in elected office. He left behind a legacy of public service and betterment of the community that he loved.

Connections

Friend:

Buzz Westfall