Born November 6, 1944 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Duane J. and Mildred Louise “Babe” (Evans) West, he married Teresa A. Crigger on September 24, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Debra West of Pekin and Julie (Larry) Harding of Abington; one son, Greg West of Pekin; two grandchildren, Brittany and Breana West, both of Pekin; four great-grandchildren, Trinity, Trent, Brentley and Sophia; two sisters, Rosemary Long and Edie (James) Rupp, both of Pekin and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe and Bill West.
Gary was a veteran of the United States Army.
He had worked at Pekin Hospital for 30 years as a telecommunications tech, before retiring in 2007.
An avid fisherman and Ham radio operator, Gary also enjoyed traveling, watching and reading anything history related. He was also a Chicago Cubs fan, collector of clocks and telephones. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Pekin.
His funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9. 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Randy Justus will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Military rites will be provided by the United States Army and Tazewell Military Rites Team.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Tazewell Military Rites Team, P.O. Box 333, Tremont, Illinois 61568.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
