Wilbert West

WEST

Mr. Wilbert



Mr. Wilbert West, 84, of Toledo, OH was called home by his Heavenly Father on January 12, 2014, at Heatherdowns Rehab. He was born in Slate Spring, Mississippi on August 26, 1929, and the first of ten children to Alex Sr. and Robbie E. (Stovell) West. Wilbert united in Holy matrimony to Cleola Rankins of Evergreen, Alabama on June 12, 1954 (her birthday). He was a devoted husband of 59 years and a great provider for his family.

Wilbert was a graduate of Scott High School in 1949. He earned an associate's degree in Business with a major in finance and a bachelor's of Business Administration degree with a major in accounting from the University of Toledo.

He started working for the City of Toledo on January

17, 1969, as a Cost Estimator with the Urban Renewal Agency. After twenty-seven years, Wilbert retired as the Grants Administrator of the Department of Neighborhoods of the City of Toledo on March 29, 1994.

Wilbert was raised to the degree of Master Mason on the 14th day of December, 1952, and worked continuously in Masonry for the past 50 years, until his illness. He is a Past Master of Composite Lodge No. 108 P.H.F. and A.M.; Past High Priest of Maumee Chapter No. 6, Royal Arch Masons; Past Thrice

Illustrious Master of Zabud Council No. 2, Royal and

Select Masters; Past Eminent Commander of St. John's Commandery No. 5, Knights Templars; Past Commander-in-Chief of St. Matthews Consistory No. 24, A.A.S.R.; He became a member of Mecca Temple No. 43, May 19, 1957 and became Past Potentate of Mecca Temple No. 43, A.E.A.O. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Past Patron of Pride of Composite Chapter No. 81, Order of Eastern Stars; Past Worthy Joshua of Ruth Court No.6, Heroines of Jericho; Past Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters for the State of Ohio; Past Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Prince Hall Grand Commandery of the State of Ohio, Knights Templars; Elected Imperial Auditor in August of 1976, and served until August of 1988 as Imperial Auditor of the Imperial Council, A.E.A.O. Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was elected the Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodges in August of 1985, and later elected as a Past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio. Free and Accepted in August of 1992.

Wilbert was crowned a Grand Inspector General of the thirty-third degree and elevated to membership in the United Supreme Council, Northern Jurisdiction on the 9 day of May, 1977. On May 9, 1997, Wilbert was elected the Eminent Prior of Alpha Priory No.1, Knights of the York Cross of Honour, serving this office until June of 1998.

Wilbert was a member of Braden United Methodist Church and was an active member of the Finance Committee for several years.

Wilbert leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Cleola;

daughters, Sunceray Lamb, Teresha (Marcia) Clayborne, Debora A. (Dallas) West, Kimberly D. West Reynolds; one son, Wilbert W. (Yolanda); special nephew, Eric B. West, whom he raised as his son; one brother, James C. West; two uncles, Rev. Robert C. (Florence) and Charles (Mary) Stovall, and goddaughter, Teresa Lucas; grandchildren, Jelani (Anitra), Rashid (Melanie), Danyell, Mira'Chel, Angelica, Riccardo, Stephanie, D'Andre, Don'Tae, Sierra, Gabrielle, and Tyion; 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sisters, Alene West, Catherine Tippit, and Shirley R. Holmes; brothers, J.C., Robert L., Curtis E., Alex Jr., and David L. West.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 17, from 4-6 p.m. with wake services from 6-8 p.m. at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home at 572 Nebraska Avenue Home going services will be Saturday, January 18, at 11 a.m. at Braden United Methodist Church, 4725 Dorr Street, Rev. Wynston E. Dixon pastor, interment at Historic Woodlawn cemetery.

www.dalefh.com