Horace L. West went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on May 1, 2014, two months before his 99th birthday. He was born July 5, 1915, in May, Texas to Ernest R. and Eva Gibbs West. He was welcomed to heaven by Alto, his beloved wife of 73 years, his parents, his six siblings: Gladys Pugh, Avyce Fitzgerald, Lillian “Bobby” Bell, Roy West, Homer West, and Jack West, infant; as well as many other loved ones.
Horace is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Charlene Gibert and husband Wayne of Katy and Sujane Baker and husband Olen of Houston, 4 grandchildren: Charla Hollingsworth of Sugar Land; Christine Gibert of Olympia, Washington; Dr. Chris Baker and wife Dr. Ann Marie of Damon; and Rev. Phil Baker and wife Stephanie of Houston, and 3 great-grandchildren, Aria, Ainsley, and Preston Baker. He also is survived by a sister-in-law, Guy Nell West, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Horace grew up on his parents’ farm in the Amity community. His family attended the Methodist Church where his grandfather was a circuit riding Methodist preacher. At May High School Horace played in all sports events, basketball, softball, track, and football. He lettered in football each year in high school, where he met Alto, who was a cheerleader. They married April 16, 1939 in Pecos. The Wests lived in Fort Stockton, Fort Worth, Dublin, all in Texas; Great Bend and Hayes, Kansas; and McCamey, Texas, before moving to Rankin in 1953, where Horace was employed by Halliburton until he retired in 1970. They moved to San Angelo where he worked for Angelo Truck and Tractor and later for Angelo State University.
The Wests were members of the First Baptist Church of Rankin for many years and then of Harris Avenue Baptist Church in San Angelo. Horace was ordained a Deacon at North Fort Worth Baptist Church in 1941. In all their churches Horace sang tenor in church choirs and ensembles and was actively involved in teaching Sunday School. Horace served on the Rankin Hospital Board and was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 70 years.
Horace was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his adult life. After retirement he also was able to devote much time to bee-keeping and his pecan trees. He actively pursued growing and grafting several pecan varieties and enjoyed showing his prize ribbons to the grandchildren.
In 2004 Horace and Alto relocated to the Houston area to be near their children. At the time of his death, he was residing in ManorCare Sharpview. The family wishes to express appreciation for the kindness of many caregivers through the past years.
Horace’s priorities were of serving God, his family, and other people. He will be greatly missed.
The family suggests that, if desired, in lieu of other remembrances a memorial donation be made in Horace’s name to Amity Cemetery Assn., P.O. Box 1313, Rising Star,Texas 76471.
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