Donald G. West
Donald George “Don” West, age 79, of Sullivan, MO, passed away on February 11, 2020 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.
Don was born on March 8, 1940 in Leasburg, MO, the son of the late George and Thelma (Kimes) West. He was the first of three children born to his parents. He was raised in Leasburg and graduated from Bourbon High School, class of 1958. Don worked for many years for the Wallis Companies as a truck driver until his retirement in 2001 and was proud to be one of the earlier employees to join the company and see it grow over the years. He was also a small business proprietor having owned and operated small service stations in Leasburg and Sullivan and Keyes Canoe Rental in Leasburg at different times of his life. He loved serving his customers and developed many friendships with co-workers, employees, customers, and other members of the community through his work.
In addition to enjoying his jobs and business pursuits, Don loved traveling and RV camping. Over the years, he made many trips with his family to some favorite locations, including Colorado, Alaska and Branson, MO. He loved yard work and was talented in landscaping design, even being recognized in the local newspaper one year for having the “most beautiful yard” in town. An avid car buff, Don spent his earlier and later years admiring and working on old cars. He impressed others with his ability to see an older model car and quote the year, make and model, along with the distinguishing features that set it apart from other years and models. His passion for cars culminated in recent years with his purchase and full restoration of a 1965 Ford Mustang, which he proudly drove around town and shared conversations with other admirers. He loved dogs and nurtured his friendship with a variety of breeds and sizes over the years, his most recent affection for his and his wife’s chihuahua, Miley. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed the company of his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family relationships developed through the years.
Don accepted Jesus as his Savior as a young man and grew closer to the Lord through his later years. He was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Leasburg, MO, where he was reared by his parents as a young boy and developed friendships with other members over the years as he grew older. He always had a special place in his heart for Crossroads and for his brothers and sisters in Christ that made the small country church feel like home.
Don is survived by his wife, Vera Ray-West of Sullivan, MO; his children from a previous marriage, Sonya (West) Smith and husband, Greg, of Nixa, MO and Clint West and wife, Emily, of Weldon Spring, MO; stepchildren, Shauna Ramshaw and husband, Michael, of St. Peters, MO and Brent Ray and wife, Joan, of St. Louis, MO; five grandchildren: Tanza Smith of Maryland Heights, MO, Canyon Smith and Bryn Smith, both of Springfield, MO, Megan West and Caleb West, both of Weldon Spring, MO; seven step grandchildren: Aaron, Ashley, Alex and Andrew Ramshaw, Allison Witty and husband, Sterling, Tasha Gerling and Brandon Ray; one brother, Larry West and wife, Janet of Sullivan, MO; one sister, Janet Isgrigg and husband, John of Bland, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his previous wife, Deanna (McClary) West; and his parents, George and Thelma West.
Funeral services were held 11 a.m., Monday, February 17, 2020, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO, with Pastor Lane Allen officiating. Burial followed in Lea Cemetery, Leasburg, MO.
Visitation was held 4:30-8 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.
Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to: Crossroads Baptist Church, Leasburg, MO.
Online condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, MO.