Obituaries

Willis West

Willis Doyle West, 87, of Morgantown, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus on Oct. 22, 2020, at home with his family by his side.
Doyle was known for his sense of humor and his love of a good joke. He loved spending time on his family farm in Independence, where he was born, tending his cows and mowing the fields. His friendly and gregarious nature led him to spending many hours visiting with friends and neighbors. An avid outdoorsman, Doyle’s favorite trips included fishing in Canada and hunting in Wyoming, but nothing compared to his time spent on West Virginia trout streams and hunting for whitetail deer at the farm. Doyle’s struggles in life were overcome by his strong Christian faith. He was a member of Living by Faith Church where he was a member of the choir and a long time volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Doyle was born May 5, 1933 to Ray and Ruth (Andrews) West. After his graduation from University High School in 1951, he joined the Navy as a member of the Cee Bees from 1952-56, serving in Japan and the Philippines. Returning home after his service, he met and married the love of his life, Nancy Loughry, in 1957. Doyle learned his trade of electric motor repair working at both Galis Electric and WV Armature Co. In 1970, he decided it was time to work for himself and launched West Electric Repair Co. (now West Electric & Machine Co. Inc.) at his home on Tyrone Road, where he worked with Nancy by his side until his retirement.

Doyle is survived by his wife Nancy and three of his four children: Jené Row and husband Verl, Robin Barnett and husband Dave and Willis “Bud” West and wife Juliette; son-in-law, Tom Barsody; grandchildren, Jessica Heavner Lewis (Bryon), Nic Row (Melanie), Jobey and Sam West, Tess and Trent Barsody and James and Ben Barnett; great-grandchildren Lily and David Lewis, and Temperance and Holden Row. He is also survived by his sisters Cecile Roth and Joyce Nisbett, along with several nieces and nephews. Doyle was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Suzanne Barsody; siblings Maxine Quimby, Thelma Currence, Edwin “Bud” West and Robert Blair West; and granddaughter, Laura Row.

Honoring Doyle’s wishes, cremation is being provided by Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home. The family will hold a private memorial and Doyle will be buried at Halleck Cemetery.

Condolences:
www.fredjenkinsfuneralhome.com