Robert West

Name: Visitation
Start: 05/17/2024 05:00 PM
End: 05/17/2024 07:00 PM
Location: Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home

October 30, 1925 — May 11, 2024

With family by his side, Robert Boyd West peacefully left this life on May 11, 2024 at the age of 98. He was born on October 30, 1925 to Albert and Odessa West in White Heath, Illinois. The birth took place in their humble home which had a dirt floor.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Decatur.

A member of the Greatest Generation, Bob enlisted in the army at age 18 and served in World War II as a sergeant in the corps of engineers charged with building mobile bridges until his discharge on April 29, 1946. During training before heading overseas Bob married Evelyn Busch in 1944. After the war he came home from Europe to a wife and a daughter. Thanks to his service, the U.S. Government paid for Bob’s higher education at Illinois State University. Bob and Evelyn went on to have 6 children and were married for 35 years. In 1980 Bob married Cynthia (Jo) McGowan and was married to her for 25 years.

Bob was a business owner of Tryco Mfg which designed farm equipment. Later on, he transitioned to selling large recycling shredders. He enjoyed his association with the manufacturer based in Kuchl Austria. He often mentioned that Kuchl, nestled in the base of the Alps, was the prettiest place on earth. Bob traveled extensively until he was 93 years old. He especially talked about European River Cruises. He was a member of First United Methodist Church for 75 years. In addition, he belonged to ROMEO, Kiwanis, and Country Club of Decatur where he golfed and dined for over 60 years.

Bob is survived by his children: Kent (Lea) West, Kevin West, Kim West, Julie (Brad) Stephens, and Rob (Cathy) West; his grandchildren: Kristen (Joe) Dunow, Scott Bloomstrand, Alexandra (Ben) Haefele, Rachel (Andy) Seidel, Robert (Sydney) West, Elizabeth West, David West, Tara (Jeff) Ulis, Stephanie West, Cassandra West, Nicholas Stephens, and Derek Stephens. Bob also has 9 great grandchildren ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years. Bob’s descendants include an identical set of triplet children, twin grandchildren, and twin great grandchildren. Bob became a stepfather to Jo’s grown children when they married, and he leaves behind his stepchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Odessa West, both his wives–Evelyn West and Jo West, his daughter Ann Bloomstrand and his sister Norma Olsen.

Bob often remarked that he was grateful for a blessed life, good health, and wonderful family. He possessed a contented and joyful disposition and was both a great conversationalist and great listener. We are grateful for the many friends and family who visited or contacted Bob over these last several weeks. We also wish to thank the caring staff at Imboden Creek Gardens.

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