Gene Richard West

Gene was born Oct. 29, 1930 in Amarillo to the late Bill and Gladys West. Gene graduated from Vernon High School and attended Texas Tech in Lubbock.

He married Norma “Jean” Simmonds on Apr 10, 1950. They met in Vernon, TX. at the public swimming pool where Jean was a lifeguard and Gene was a mischievous diver. After that first blow of Jean’s lifeguard whistle and removing Gene from the pool, they were inseparable for the next 62 years.

Gene began his 32 year career with Montgomery Ward at age of 17 in the sporting goods department in Vernon, TX. In 1961, he moved his family to Tyler to open the Montgomery Ward store and served as store manager until he retired in 1983. During his years of service, he received many awards. He was especially honored to be named Store Manager of the Year for the entire United States in 1969. Upon retirement, Gene owned and operated West Grocery and Feed in the Gresham Community.

Gene was active in the Tyler community for many years. He served as Vice President of the Tyler Chamber of Commerce. He was a long time Century Club member in the Lion’s Club, Gideon member, and a member of Grace Community Church for over 40 years.

He was preceded in death by wife Norma “Jean” West, parents Bill and Gladys West, and sister Frances Hull. Gene is survived by daughter Kay West, Tyler; daughter Gail Cooper and husband Ronald Cooper, Flint; daughter Lydia West, Tyler; daughter Lisa West-Jones and husband James Jones, Chandler; and daughter Sharon L. Barrett, Tyler. Sisters Peggy Robertson and husband Gene Robertson, Euless; Teresa Hunnicutt and husband Ted Hunnicutt, Kalispell, Montana and brother Jerry West and wife Maylene West, Carrollton, Texas. Gene is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Damon Baldwin, Cameron Baldwin, Cindi Baldwin, Angela Vineyard, Seth Collier, Jacob West Collier and Sara Elizabeth Barrett. Gene also has 9 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gene was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, dependable son, best friend, and loyal brother. He enjoyed playing golf, spending time with family, exercising with the Silver Sneakers class, attending church service, watching football and baseball games, and working in his garden. He had a smile and a kind word for everyone he encountered. Gene was adored by his daughters, grandchildren, siblings, friends, and co-workers. He leaves all of us with many memories of his kindness, his forgiving spirit, his generosity and his love for family.

Pallbearers are Damon Baldwin, Cameron Baldwin, Seth Collier, Jacob West Collier, Bill Ray, and Rodney Ray.

Honorary pallbearers are Bill West, Gene Wilsey, Dick Burgett, and Jack Ray.

Services will be held at Lloyd James Funeral Home. Visitation is Sunday, Jan 5th from 5-7 pm. Services officiated by Rev. Doug Clark and Rev. Roy Thoene are Monday, Jan 6th at 10:30 am with burial following at Rose Hill Cemetery.