Robert was born on December 14, 1936, in Houston, Texas, to Ira Lee West and Winfred Davis West. Robert’s mother died when he was eight years old. Then his father married Joyce Arto West in 1946. After graduating from high school and attending college, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving honorably from 1958 to 1961. He was stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, then in Furth, Germany and Boeblingen, Germany, where he worked on the development of the first drone. After the military, he had several jobs, including a stint at Channel Two in Houston, where he worked with Dan Rather. He was doing work at NASA when the words, “Houston, we have a problem” were first spoken. He joined Brown and Root and worked there as an electrical engineer until his retirement in 1996. By that time, he and his wife had purchased land and a small business in Burnet, Texas. He enjoyed living in the country, and you could often find him in the barn, working on his collection of castoff treasures. He also created excellent stained glass. He was incredibly detail-minded and was a true intellect.
Robert is survived by his wife of thirty years, Dana Hoyer West, sister Judy West Carson of College Station, brother David Larson West (Betty) of Ingram, brother Gayle Ira West (Suzanne) of Houston, daughter Lauren Jenell West of Corning, New York, son Patrick Robert West (Tammi) of Cypress, daughter Heather West Warren (Joey) of Burnet, and three grandchildren, Robbie West, Drew West and June West.
Robert touched many lives with his easy going and friendly nature. He loved talking to people.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 10:00 A.M. on June 19, 2021. Brunch will be served following the service. Service is under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 E. Polk Street, Burnet, Texas 78611.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.org in memory of Robert L. West. Words of comfort can be shared with the family online at www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.
