<p>This is a perpetual Memorial you may visit and/or add to any time.  Created in November, each update redates the Event.  </p>

Robert West Online Memorial

Julie Stephens

Robert West

Robert B. West, age 98, died Saturday, May 11, 2024. Bob was born at home in White Heath, Illinois, on October 30, 1925, the son of Albert R. and Odessa E. Boyd West. A member of the “Greatest Generation,” Bob enlisted in the Army and was a veteran of World War II. He served in the 1160th Combat Engineer Group attached to the First Army, arriving in France by Troup transport ship on January 29, 1945. From transporting large ships on land across Germany to use in crossing the Rhine pertaining to the Battle of Remagen, to helping to liberate Buchenwald concentration camp, to attending the first post-war Bastille Day, Bob was Honorably Discharged on April 29, 1946. Bob married Evelyn Lamkin Busch on October 17, 1944. They had 6 children and enjoyed 35 years of marriage. He attended Kansas State University, Illinois State University, and the School of Modern Photography in New York. Bob married Cynthia Joan McGowan on March 21, 1980. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage. He was also blessed with her adult children: Robin (who passed in 1984), Greg, Heather, and Kim. He joined his father at Tryco Mfg. in 1949, eventually becoming president, where he pioneered in the production of high-flotation, farm spreading equipment, retiring at the age of 85. Bob was a lifelong member of the Country Club of Decatur where later in life he met his friends for lunch at the “round table of knowledge.”  He was its oldest and longest member at the time he gave up his membership.  He also enjoyed being a member of the Romeos. He leaves behind his sons, Kent West (Lea), Kevin West, and Kim West, all of Decatur, Illinois; daughter, Julie Stephens (Brad) of Fort Collins, Colorado; son, Robert A. West (Cathy) of Carmel, Indiana; his first cousins, John Tull and Bonnie Tull Carey, and many cherished grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Ann West Bloomstrand in 2005; Cynthia Joan West in 2010; his sister, Norma West Olsen in 2015; and Evelyn West in 2021. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. John Di Mondo, Beth Coit, and the loving staff at Imboden Gardens, who made the last 2 years of his life, the most difficult ones, so much better. Bob was a caring, generous, clever, quick witted, innovative man who loved people, travel, and playing golf. His favorite times were spent with family and friends. His positive attitude will be remembered in every act of “looking on the bright side” that mirrors his everlasting spirit. We, his family, are grateful to have had him as our Father for so many years. Like fine wine, Robert West got better with age. We love you Dad! A funeral service was held May 18, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Decatur. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes oversaw arrangements. Burial was at Point Pleasant Cemetery. Please visit his online memorial beginning 4:00 pm CST, November 27, 2024 and no amended to December 31, 2024 (but you may visit any time) at https://mykeeper.com/RobertWest17670.  You may contribute a memory, story, and/or photo to commemorate his life at RobertWestMemories@gmail.com.  Memorial Donations may be sent to Decatur Area CSMI Team “In Honor of Robert West in Memory of Cody Miller” at 707 W. South Side Drive, Decatur, IL 62521 (a 501(c)3) or the charity of your choice in search of a cure for Large B Cell and/or Follicular Lymphoma.

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Robert Bob West Obituary | Keeper Memorials