August 5, 1931 ~ March 4, 2018
John C. West “JC” passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018 at his home in Caldwell, Kansas at the age of 86.
John was born August 5, 1931 to Theodore Charles “Ted” and Ruth Faye (Towers) West of Medford, Oklahoma.
His childhood was spent in Medford, Oklahoma fishing at Salt Fork River, hunting and trapping. He attended school in Medford, Oklahoma and was then drafted to the Armed Forces on his 18th birthday.
Later in life he met the love of his life, Vella Jean Webb. They married November 17, 1963 in Miami, Oklahoma. They made their home in Medford and later moved to Cheney, Kansas and from there to Kingman, Kansas.
Many people would know him as being a jack of all trades. This included construction of the grain elevators in Caldwell, Kansas and Medford, Oklahoma, custom harvesting from Texas to Canada, Interior Decorating, being a mechanic at Ford Garage in Cheney, Kansas, wood working, mowing and landscaping. He also enjoyed being outside in his vegetable garden.
After retiring in 1993 John and Vella Jean moved to Caldwell to live closer to their daughter and her family. This is when his passion for woodworking was heightened and he began sharing his projects with many residents in Caldwell, Kansas.
John is preceded in death by wife, Vella Jean West; father, Theodore Charles “Ted” West; mother, Ruth Faye West and siblings, Reba Carpenter, Dale West, and Vonda Lee Estesee.
Surviving relatives are daughter, Annette Conrady and husband Mike of Caldwell, Kansas; grandchildren, Tamara and Kevin Smith of Corinth, Texas, Tiffany Shaffer and Shawn Schmidt of Wichita, Kansas, Jared Shaffer and Jessica Clark of Caldwell, Kansas; great grandchildren, Hagan Butler and Dominik Schmidt of Wichita, Kansas, Audrey and Blake Smith of Corinth, Texas, Calvin and Aryia Shaffer of Caldwell, Kansas.
Funeral services will be held at Schaeffer Mortuary, Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Interment will be in the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorial funds collected will go towards funeral costs.
The family would like to thank Home Health and Hospice of Kansas for the wonderful care and support they have provided.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
I have only known John for 20
Scott Bannister - 03/05/2018
I have only known John for 20 years or so. He came into the bank often, so we would visit. Such a kind and gentle soul. Always smiling. He did some wonderful wood working for me. I and others will miss you greatly. RIP my friend.
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Dear Annette and Family --
Lisa Moreland - 03/05/2018
John was such a sweet man. He used to come into the library quite a bit when we first moved to Main Street. He re-did some chairs for us and gave me several pictures to hang :) I always think of him when I look at the piano bench he restored for my family.
I know you will miss him. So sorry for your loss.
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Annette, Mike and family:
Ginger and Kevi... - 03/06/2018
Annette - It is so hard to lose a parent. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
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As former Medford neighbors
AK, Shirley Arm... - 03/07/2018
As former Medford neighbors of the West family, I have many fond memories of the family. Our thoughts and prayers to your families at the loss of JC.
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Rest John, until you hear at
Harry Simpson - 03/07/2018
Rest John, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
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Annette and family
Bert Clark - 03/13/2018
I am so very sorry to hear about John..He always kept me on my toes..I will miss him dearly..May God continue to embrace your all with his love..I am sure Jean is very happy to have him by her side again..they are both very special people..love always Bert
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Annette and Family
Melinda Neal - 03/16/2018
Thinking of you and your family and sending prayers.
