William was a dedicated husband and loving father who provided faithfully for his family. Even while keeping a hectic schedule as a bi-vocational pastor, he always made time for his family. Trips to the park for a game of baseball or to the Island for an evening of fishing and swimming were common. He enjoyed a game of basketball with the boys, attending piano recitals, or helped us with our homework. He also enjoyed woodworking and was quite the handy man.
William was born June 9, 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the son of Raymond West and Hazel Williamson West. On November 26, 1965, he married Wanda Louise Loving and together they celebrated 54 wonderful years together. He served as a Scout in the Army in the South Pacific during World War II, was wounded by shrapnel and saved a wounded soldier. William was awarded a Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Bronze Star. During a battle William promised the Lord to become a pastor if he survived the War, and made good on that promise.
His life of ministry began at Metro Theological Seminary where he graduated in 1950. He then served as a teacher at Wescove School for 17 years. This was followed by Missionary work in Brownsville, Texas and along the Mexican border for 22 years, first with the Wesleyan Covenant Church which later merged into the Evangelical Church of North America. During much of this ministry, he worked bi-vocationally as a Letter Carrier for United States Post Office in Brownsville. Upon retiring, he faithfully served as Assistant Pastor at Grace Chapel Evangelical Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for 17 years. Later, he returned to Brownsville & became a member of First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Hazel West, a brother Don & Robert Lee, and wife, Wanda. He is survived by a daughter, Anita Kay Diaz and husband Michael of Brownsville, two sons William Scott West and wife Jessica of Genoa City, Wisconsin & Douglas Gene West and wife Priscilla of Dexter, Missouri; his 8 grandchildren; Jonathan, Brandon, Joslyn, Malachi, Dustin, Matthew, Hannah & Jayda.
A special thank you is extended to each of his wonderful providers who went above and beyond to show their love & care. Each exhibited their special personalities in countless ways of kindness to him. To all the staff at Fox Hollow Post Acute, thank you for the excellent care & compassion extended to our father especially during this very difficult time of separation during the lockdown. The entire staff is remarkable and we’re so grateful for the emotional and physical support he received.
Funeral arrangements are being provided by Del Angel Funeral Home, 4464 Old Port Isabel Rd., Brownsville, Texas 78526. Flowers may be sent to First Baptist Church, 1600 Old Alice Road, Brownsville, Texas 78520 Saturday 12:30-2pm or in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Gideons International or Wounded Warrior Project. Visitation will be on October 10th at First Baptist Church from 1-2pm followed with a memorial service at 2pm. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
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