Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John West Obituary
MCALLEN,TX.- John Francis West entered into eternal rest at his home Friday January 30, 2009. He was born on December 17, 1944, to Robert N. West and Dorothy E. West at the original Valley Baptist Hospital on F Street in Harlingen, TX.
He was raised in Rio Hondo where his parents had a farm and ranch operation. He graduated from Rio Hondo High School In 1962 and attended Blinn Junior College and Southmost College.
In 1967 he joined the US Marine Corps and served at the Siege Of Khe Sahn in 1968. John was a decorated Viet Nam War Veteran receiving the Bronze Star and the Navy And Marine Corp Achievement Medal with ``V'' For Valor. He returned to the Valley and worked for Texas International/Continental Airlines for 38 years having retired in 2006.
John loved riding his horses and was an avid student of history. He inherited a generous heart and a wonderful sense of humor from his Father. John was very much a gentleman and an honorable and proud man. He had a great sense of style from an early age. He often remarked that he ``would not even let his horses see him unshaven''. John will be greatly missed not only by his family but by a large circle of devoted and caring friends.
John is survived by his wife Harriette Roush West, his mother Dorothy West of Mission, his son Ian West and his daughter Summer West of McAllen, his sisters Coletta (Chuck) Laycock of Harlingen and Helen Tilley of McAllen and nieces Colette (Jeff) Breedlove of Dallas and Carla (John) Pearcy of Harlingen. He is also survived by many dear friends and extended family.
Family and friends will celebrate his life at a private gathering.
For those wishing to honor John the family requests that memorials be made to The Baylor College of Medicine Als Clinic, 6550 Fannin, Suite 1801, Houston, Tx 77030 or Ronald Mcdonald House Charities of The Rio Grande Valley, 1720 Treasure Hills Blvd, Harlingen, Tx 78550
Kreidler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. www.kreidlerfuneralhome.com
Sign the guestbook at: http://legacy.com/Valleystar/Obituaries.asp
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John West
Rene Gonzalez
March 2, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Elyette Benjamin-Labarthe
February 11, 2009
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to John's wife, Harriette, together with admiration for John, such a distinguished gentleman and scholar who knew and loved his country so well. May he now rest in peace, in the land of his forbears.
Richard Tewell
February 8, 2009
I was surprised to hear of Johns death I only knew him in high school but I wish to convey my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God bless and keep you and yours.
ALS Clinic Team at Baylor College of Medicine
February 8, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May memories bring you comfort.
Fred Barrowman
February 6, 2009
Known to us affectionately
as "Gentleman" John West. John was a true friend and a man of courtly manners. John was a patriot and a warrior. He is missed.
Fred Barrowman & Jeanie (Bitler) Barrowman. Nowata, Okla.
Robert Guetzow
February 5, 2009
When I first went to work for Continental, my dad told me to listen and learn from all his old friends, Ernie W., Ernie G., Gene O., and Johnny West as he called him. I learned a lot from John and respected him tremendously and I'll always remember the lessons he taught and miss his wit. From the Guetzow family (Robert, Janie, Aidan and Lawrence) our deepest sympathies.
Missy & Michael Desaloms
February 4, 2009
We feel blessed to have known a man like John West. He was one of a kind and I will never forget his wonderful smile and huge heart. To one of the world's finest horsemen, may your ride be full of peace! Our deepest sympathies to Harriett and all of John's family.
DINA RODRIGUEZ
February 4, 2009
Our heartfelt sympathy. Our prayers are with each and everyone of you. May God grant you the Peace in your time of grief.
Ann & Bobby Cantrell
February 4, 2009
I had the honor of calling John a friend as well as a coworker for 39 yrs.A gentelman and a scholar he was!I will always think of him riding his horse with a wine flask over his shoulder and smelling of old spice..talking of history every chance he got.Bless him ,I'm so sorry for the illness he was given but he is free of it now and riding painfree.God be with Harriet and his family and friends ,thinking of all of you with a sad heart.
Jay Dwiggins
February 4, 2009
Harriette / Colleta / Helen: I am deeply sadened and grieving with you, what a loss. A man of few words and many talents. As Hector said, we all became much closer our senior year, lots of laughs and fond memories.
God Bless you all, for now John is riding with the best in much greener pastures
So long old pardner.. save a spot for me..
Dana Dwiggins George
February 4, 2009
I'm so sorry to learn of John's passing. My condolences to his family.
Meredith Overstreet and Stacy Page
February 4, 2009
John was a good man. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We wish peace to John and the family.
Michelle, Mike, Chris and Shelby Crow
February 4, 2009
Our prayers are with Harriett and John and their family. Our memories of John will be forever in our hearts. He was such a gentleman and wondeful horseman. I will always cherish the long talks about our horses.
Emile & Phil Overstreet
February 4, 2009
Primo we will miss you. Yes you were always clean shaven and dressed for the occasion. Your just being there was always special to us.
Eloy Salinas
February 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. John was a classmate and a great friend. We would occassionally run into him at Koko's having breakfast. We were very sad when he told us of his illness. We will always remember him and his great sense of humor. May the Lord bless you all.
Eloy & Angie (Cavazos) Salinas
Edinburg, Texas
Linda Kay Roiz Baker
February 4, 2009
John and I shared many life long experiences, starting back when we made our first communion together. We were classmates and life long friends. Classmate relationships never falter, but live forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you. Remember, he now lives with our Lord.
Linda & Dennis Pullin
February 4, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Jim and Claudia Allen
February 3, 2009
Jim and I just heard about John. He was a very good friend in High School and later. He was always someone to talk to who would actually listen. So sorry to hear about his illness and can just imagine what he went thru. Our prayers are with his family. Only the Lord can bring you peace and understanding.
Aron Garcia
February 3, 2009
With regards to the West family,from Aron,Sandra,Mystika,Aritza Garcia
Ernest & Irma (Montez) Garza
February 3, 2009
John will always be remembered in our prayers. Our deepest condolences for his family. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Roy and Helen Parker
February 3, 2009
To Dorothy, Harriette and all who loved John, we send our sincere love, and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May God grant you peace and happiness.
Nan Cole
February 3, 2009
I just heard via email! What a huge shock. I was just reminiscing about our New Year's together I think on the day he died.............he was such a fine person.........I was lucky to know him, even if just for a short while. God be with you, Harriet.
David Garza
February 3, 2009
John and I became good buddies my Senior year in High School. He was a jolly and friendly person who enjoyed life. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences and prayers are with the family. God bless...
Annette Tewell
February 3, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you with peace and comfort at this time.
Hector Sanchez
February 3, 2009
John was a classmate at Rio Hondo High School and a good friend. We became closer our senior year along with Bill Estes, Eddie Hatch, Jay Dwiggins and Eloy Salinas. His humor and good nature will always be remembered. John, may the Lord keep you in his Kingdom and may He grant your family the strength and fortitude to carry on.
Good bye my friend.
Andrea Cavazos
February 3, 2009
John was such a wonderful man. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Clarissa Jimenez
February 3, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I had the privelege of working with John at Continental Airlines and indeed he was a true gentleman.
greg wilson
February 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Yvonne & Jose Pardo
February 3, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. May God bless you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Dawn Price
February 3, 2009
Harriette, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for this loss. I know you have wonderful friends who will support you. I never knew John went to Blinn -- so did Jerry. It IS a small world. I hope that in time your memories of the too-brief time you had together will help heal the pain of this loss.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Make a Donation
in John West's name
Memorial Events
for John West
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John West's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
