Michael Carl West, 75, of Bellflower, Missouri, passed away on Friday, October 20, at his home.
Mike was born in St. Louis, on January 27, 1948, the son of Carl West and Faye (Pohlmann) West. He grew up on a dairy farm alongside his two sisters. In high school, Mike met Sharon “Sherry” Annelle Blount; he would take her to MAR to watch drag races on dates. Mike graduated High School in 1966 and joined the United States Army in 1968. During his time in the service, he fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two sharpshooter badges. Less than one month after he left Vietnam, on September 20, 1969, he married Sherry in Wright City, Missouri. Mike then began working for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, which he did for 40 years before he retired.
In 1977, Mike moved to Bellflower, Missouri, where he raised his family, many animals and farmed. He was also a great mechanic and loved to tinker with things. He was quiet but that’s because he was a good listener. Mike had a very big heart and was a true caregiver, you could see that most when it came to Sherry and his grandchildren. He had been his wife’s caregiver for many years. He had a lot of love to show for the three grandkids, he catered to them, always had time for their visits, and would drop you like a bad habit if they showed up. He was fiercely independent, vital, and nimble. He had a love for old cars and took pride in being a collector. He often enjoyed going out to eat with his sister, Donna Jean, or old coworkers. He would go up town to find people to chat with. Mike was a jovial man with a big heart and so much love to give.
Mr. West is survived by his wife, Sharon “Sherry” Annelle West of the home; 3 sons: Jeffrey Michael West of St. Louis, Mark E. (Amy) West of St. Peters, Ryan (Leslie) West of Montgomery City; grandchildren: Jamie West of St. Peters, Anna West of St. Peters, and Madison West of Montgomery City; his sister, Donna Jean of Wright City; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Faye (Pohlmann) West; his sister, LaTelle Young; and brothers-in-law, Ed Young and Stan LaPointe.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 11:00 A.M. at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, with Chaplain Laura Law officiating. A Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund or to the Alzheimer’s Association c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, Missouri 63361
Condolences may be left online at www.schlankerfuneralhome.com
