Raised on a farm with 8 siblings, he learned how to be a part of a team. Understanding team work and with a patriotic attitude he enlisted in the United States Air Force December 27, 1951 to become an Aircraft Mechanic. He was stationed at Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX. where he met and married Aletha Gay McClendon on June 25th, 1953. He later transferred to the 3501st Periodic Maintenance Squadron, ATC at Reese AFB. While at Reese, he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged from active duty December 8, 1955.
His accomplishments while in the 3501st lead to a job in the Civil Service department making a $1.64 per hr. He served 36 years as an aircraft mechanic. During those years, he and Gay had three children, Randy, Ricky and Teresa.
Delbert believed in strong work ethic and that supporting ones family was a basic life principle, so in 1961 he started West Landscape while simultaneously working as an aircraft mechanic. He spent 50 years contracting with builders, nurseries, and hundreds of homeowners to beautify Lubbock. He retired from the business at the age of 80, leaving it to his son, Ricky, to operate.
Although work was a fundamental part of his life the most important thing was his relationship to Jesus Christ. His strength of leadership and love for people was demonstrated in his service as a Deacon at University Assembly of God for 36 years. He served as an elder at Philadelphia Church for 5 years. He went on to help charter Cathedral of Praise and served as an elder, children’s bus driver and many other leadership roles for 20 years. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors the “The Bridge of Lubbock” a non-profit serving the Lubbock community.
Delbert was a man who left a legacy of love for Christ, love for family, hard work and humor! He was almost constantly making jokes and poking fun at those he loved. He could dish it out! But take it too! His humor will be missed!
He leaves behind his wife, Aletha Gay West; sons: Randy West, Ricky West and wife, Lynette; daughter, Teresa Scoggins and husband, Gary; grandchildren: Shane West, Amber West and fiancé, Michael Cano, Megan West Ellis and husband, Dusty, Landon Scoggins, Lathan Scoggins, all of Lubbock, Tyler West and wife, Katie, of Bakersfield, CA; great-grandchildren: Max Cano and Harrison West; brother, Paul West and wife, Vanita; sisters: Naomi Eastman and Esther Pittock and husband, Chuck, all of Colorado.
Online condolences may be offered on our website at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18