Stephen R. West

Stephen R. West Former six-term Indianapolis City-County Councilman Stephen R. West died on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis at age 78. Born August 10, 1931 to Harold B. West and Hilda (Kirkman) West in Indianapolis, West was a life-long resident of the city he served both publicly and privately for six decades. A 1949 graduate of Park School for Boys, West later attended Carleton College, graduating cum laude in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a minor in government. Following two years of military service as a corporal in the U.S. Army, he attended Harvard University, earning a Master of Business Administration degree in 1957. Upon graduation, West returned to Indianapolis to assume the positions of Vice President and Treasurer of West Baking, Inc., which he held until its sale in 1987. In addition to working in his family business, West had a virtual second career as an elected official, serving on the Indianapolis City-County Council for 24 years, from 1972-1996. From 1972-1992 he held office representing District 6, and later served as an at-large councilor from 1992-1996. West also was elected vice president and majority leader of the council from 1988-1993. During his years in public office, West held numerous chairs on the council, including committees for Administration, Economic Development, Public Safety and Criminal Justice, and Public Works. Additionally, his council service included roles on the boards of directors for the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and the National League of Cities. West also served on a wide variety of non-profit organizations in his private life. He was president of The West Foundation, Inc.; a family foundation funding international development at the grassroots level. Additionally, he had served as president of both Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association and the Indiana Conference of Congregational Christian Churches. Other civic experience included membership on the boards of trustees for Christian Theological Seminary, The Defiance College, Edyvean Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Church Federation, Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation, Martin Luther King Multi-Service Center, and the for-profit company Peoples Bank. In recognition of his service to the state of Indiana, West was awarded the title of Sagamore of the Wabash in 2002 and Distinguished Hoosier in 1996 by Governor Frank O'Bannon. Other organizations which have honored him for his contributions to the community included Marion County Alliance of Neighborhoods (MCANA Award), Mercy Foundation (Spirit of Africa Award), Meridan-Kessler Neighborhood Association (Sid Maurer Award), and Wishard Foundation (Indiana Public Health Award). West was a member of North United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of Indianapolis, American Legion, the Indianapolis and Indiana State Chambers of Commerce, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association, NoraNorthside Community Council, Family Service Association, Community Service Council, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana State Symphony Society, Indianapolis Zoological Society, Columbia Club, Riviera Club, and Woodstock Club. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis (McRoberts) West; daughter, Emily Allison West; and brother, Richard A. West (Florence). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Barnabas Fund at Central Indiana Foundation or to Wishard Foundation. A calling will be held on Sunday, August 1 from 1-5 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center- Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Boulevard, West Drive in Indianapolis. A memorial service will follow on Monday, August 2 at 11 a.m. at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian Street, in Indianapolis. www.flannerbuchanan.com