Alvin Henry West Sr.

Alvin Henry West, Sr., 77, of Gonzales, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Alvin was born on November 3, 1948, in Leesville to Henry and Erith Ivey West. He was one of thirteen children born into a close-knit and hardworking family. Alvin lived a life marked by kindness, curiosity, and a deep love for family and friends. He was known for his quick wit, quiet strength, generosity, and unmistakable sense of humor. A devout Christian, Alvin was a faithful member of Memorial Heights Baptist Church. His faith was strong, and he truly loved the Lord.
A gifted mechanic, Alvin had a special talent for fixing things and an uncanny ability to look at a piece of machinery and make it work better and more efficiently. There was little he couldn't repair simply by studying it.
Alvin married the love of his life, Debbie Lynn Mansell, on June 26, 1968, in Leesville. They met because Debbie's best friend was Alvin's baby brother, David. The two began dating in 1967 and shared 57 wonderful years of love and devotion together.
Debbie's parents owned a local hamburger joint in Nixon, Texas, called The Bobcat, which Alvin loved-especially because he ate there for free. To his dismay, shortly after he and Debbie married, the Bobcat was sold.
When Alvin asked Debbie's mother for permission to marry her, they sat in Estelle's car in front of the old schoolhouse in Leesville where Alvin lived. He was so nervous when she said yes that he stepped out of the car and straight into a large mud puddle.
Alvin enjoyed animals and at times kept chickens, pigeons, and even a milk cow all which he shared with Alvin Jr. On Saturdays, he loved taking his children to the auction barn to watch the cattle sale-memories his family will always cherish.
Alvin's love for his family was beyond words. He taught his children how to love, how to cherish life, and how to value the people around them. He was the most humble and honest man many had ever known.
A well-known jokester, Alvin especially enjoyed pulling pranks on his sister Susie and brother-in-law Nathan "Snake." No one ever had to wonder what Alvin was thinking-he said exactly what was on his mind.
Alvin owned and operated West Muffler Shop for approximately 30 years. If someone couldn't afford a repair, Alvin fixed it anyway. Teenagers especially loved him for installing dual exhausts on their trucks. He began working in the egg-packing business at age 17 with Continental Produce, later working for Sun Crest and then NestFresh until the very end of his career. His work ethic was as strong as his love for his family.
Alvin deeply loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and daughters-in-law. He made a lasting impact on this world and will be truly missed.
Alvin Henry West, Sr. is survived by his loving wife, Debbie West; daughter, Tammy West (Cynthia); son, Alvin Henry West, Jr. (Julie); sisters, Adline Gordon, Gillis Yaws, Dora West, and Susie Hicks; brothers, Ferd West, Sr. (Audrey) and Ernest West; grandchildren, Amber Roach (Brandon), Lydia Jackson (Chris), Damaris Green (Brandon Brown), Anna Ansley (Colt), Skylynn Barnes, Isaac West, Dory Gonzales, Kyndall Banda, Tommy "TJ" Barnes, Caleb West, and Josiah West; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ronney Lynn West; one sister; and six brothers.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 26, 2025, at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Clint Lowery officiating. Interment will take place at Caraway Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Caleb West, Isaac West, Josiah West, Colt Ansley, Chris Jackson, Bobby White, and Tammy West. Honorary Pallbearer: T.J. Barnes.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Caraway Cemetery Association, or Memorial Heights Baptist Church. Friends may leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvin, please visit our floral store.