UPDATE: SGM KEITH G. WESTBY To TAPS

SGM KEITH G. WESTBY passed away 1/31/2024.

Keith Gerald Westby, a Vietnam Veteran and longtime resident of Gahanna, Ohio passed
away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, after a 12-year battle with cancer. Keith was
preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Elita, and his brother Dave. Keith is survived by
his wife Janet of 52 years, his sister Naida (Bill), son David (Christina), daughter Yvonne
Ramsey (Mark), and three grandchildren Zane, Jaidyn, and Hunter.

Born August 26, 1946, in Langdon, North Dakota SGM(R) Keith G. Westby served on
active duty in the United States Army for over 26 years (Oct ’65-Aug ‘89). As a young Soldier,
Keith traveled the world. A few of his destinations took him to Camp Darby, Italy; Vietnam; Fort
Richardson, Alaska and Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he met the love of his life. With
family by his side, he continued to travel the US and see the world. Heidelberg & Zweibrücken,
Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Yongsan Seoul, South Korea; Fort
Benjamin Harrison, Indiana are a few of their destinations. August of ‘89 brought Keith and
family to grow roots and settle in Gahanna, Ohio.

His awards include:

• Legion of Merit,
• Meritorious Service Medal-4,
• Overseas Service Ribbon-4,
• Vietnam Service of Gallantry with
• Palm,
• Vietnam Campaign Medal,
• Vietnam Service Medal-4,
• NCO Professional Development Ribbon-5,
• Army Good Conduct Medal-7.

Keith moved his sites from Soldier to civilian and was hired on at DSCC DFAS
Columbus, Ohio in accounting. Shortly after, he then moved to 302, Keith took on a “Special
Project” in 1993 where he got the nickname, Mr. DDARS. What started out a drawing on a
napkin in a cafeteria over lunch, Keith was the driving force and developer of DDARS (Defense
Departmental Reporting System). He then moved to Systems Supervisor in ’97 and finished out
his career in Foreign Currency Exchange. Keith was a mentor to so many. He was a supervisor
that always had your back whether you were right or not, but let you know if you were wrong.
Keith knew his stuff.

Keith retired from DSCC DFAS Columbus, Ohio August 2006. He was a very humble,
family-oriented man. He was an avid bowler in both the Military and numerous leagues around
the Columbus area. On multiple occasions during his Military days, he was crowned “All
Europe Champion”.

Keith did not wish for a funeral; however, upon cremation his final resting place will be
Military Funeral Honors with Funeral Escort at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.