Joe Travis West

Joe Travis West of Lorena died unexpectedly Sunday morning, January 11, 2015, at the age of 52. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 15, at Connally Compton Funeral Directors Chapel with Rev. Denton Popelka officiating. Interment will follow in Post Oak Cemetery near Oglesby. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 P.M., Wednesday, January 14, at the funeral home.

Mr. West was born April 4, 1962, in Gatesville, Texas. He was the son of James Edward and Leona Marie (Smith) West. He grew up and attended school in Oglesby. He began his life long career as a cabinet maker with Don and Al’s Cabinets in McGregor. He married Ronda (Wall) West and moved to Moody in 1985, where he owned and operated West Wood Works until 1998. From 1998 until present, he was employed as a foreman at Cabinet Specialists in Waxahachie. He felt blessed to have only worked for his brothers. Mr. West loved life, living with compassion and gratitude. He had unwavering faith in God, deep love for his family and was dedicated to his grandsons, sharing with them his competitive spirit and love of the outdoors.

Preceding him in death was his mother Marie West and brother James Earl West.

Joe is survived by his wife Ronda, his father, James Edward West, Jr. of Oglesby, one daughter Laura Ocasio and husband, Joseph, of Hewitt, three grandsons, Bryson, Braylon and Branson, four brothers, Donald West and wife, Gladys, of Oglesby, Thomas West of Canton, Rick West and wife, Patsy, of Canton, Lee West of McGregor, five sisters, Peggy Finkenbinder and husband, Harold, of Moffat, Judy Bodnar and husband, Gary, of McGregor, Betty Dodge and husband, Bobby, of Moody, Tawana Nance and husband Tommy of Troy, Kathy Popelka and husband, Denton, of Temple; sister-in-law, Patsy West of Oglesby and many nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, the family has suggested the First Baptist Church of Oglesby or Post Oak Cemetery association for memorial contributions.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.