RALPH WEST

1928 - 2020

Dr. Ralph Edward West
August 27, 1928 - November 6, 2020

BETHANY
A loving husband, father, and Christian servant, Dr. Ralph Edward West celebrated his Heavenly homecoming on Friday, November 6, to be with his Savior and loved ones who have gone before. Ralph was born in Coleman, Texas, on August 27, 1928, to James Oliver and Ora Vee West.
He attended Bethany Nazarene College, Pasadena Nazarene College, and graduated from Baylor University in 1957 with a B.A. in Religion. He was ordained a minister of the Church of the Nazarene in 1957 by General Superintendent Dr. Samuel Young. He served in the pastorate at Waco Trinity Heights Church of the Nazarene (1957-1960), Arlington First Church of the Nazarene (1960-1974) and as Superintendent of the Louisiana District (1974-1998). Ralph also served as the Chairman of the Board for Southern Nazarene University for many years and was honored to be awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in the year of his retirement.
He retired to Bethany, OK in 1998, where he and some friends quickly formed a fabulously successful support group for retired ministers and missionaries called ARMM. This group carries on today. Never one to rest upon past successes, he carried on smaller works including Cup of Water Ministries and Westminister Ministries through personal fundraising.
"Brother West" had a deep love for people which was shown in his compassion and desire to do good. He had a passion to enlist all those around him to help build the Kingdom of Christ. In addition to this, he was instrumental in the building of several churches, rehabilitating the West Texas District Church Camp near Cleburne, and restoring and building several new buildings on the Louisiana District Church Campground near Pineville, Louisiana. He ruined many clean shirts, scuffed up many dress shoes, and almost electrocuted himself once while working on Kingdom projects.
He was quick with a smile or laugh and loved to hear a good joke or funny story. Ralph preached in a way that made people want to join with him in the mission of winning souls and made you want to examine yourself to see if you were being the best person that you could be.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Palmer Rankin Price; his wife of almost sixty years, Louise Bayles West; his brothers, James, Truman "Price," Benjamin, Garland, and John; and sisters, Lester "Sis" West Duncan, Leta Mae Price Williams, and Winnie Price Miller.
He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita Porter West; his son, Larry (wife Beth, daughter Catherine); his daughter, Cindy West Cagle (husband Neil); grandsons, Michael Cagle (wife Kerri, daughter Brintley, son Braxton), Dustin Cagle (daughter Parker), and Austin Cagle.
A kinder, gentler soul could not be found. Our family is thankful to you, Papaw, for the loving example that you lived out for us daily. Because we knew you, we were changed for the good.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Southern Nazarene University for the Ralph West Ministerial Training Scholarship.
Viewing will be Wednesday, 9am-9pm, with family present from 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams Chapel. Funeral service will be Thursday, November 12, 10:00am at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Atrium with interment in Bethany Cemetery. To watch the recorded service or share condolences, visit www.mercer-adams.com