Richard Elvin West

Richard E. West, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23 at Grandwood Assisted Living Facility surrounded by family and friends in Grove, OK. Richard was born on June 7, 1939 in Russell, IA to Charles and Edna (Jennings) West. He attended Russell High School graduating with the class of 1957. He joined the Iowa National Guard before starting at Armstrong/Titan tires where he worked over forty years before retiring. 

Richard was united in marriage to Geraldine (Barron) West of Lovilia, Iowa and they welcomed four children into their home. 

Richard grew up on an Iowa farm where he learned to love hunting, fishing and all the outdoor activities that living in the country brings. He continued to enjoy those activities throughout most of his life. He also enjoyed taking his family to Rathbun Lake to camp, fish and water ski. 

Richard met and married Pamela Abbott of Ankeny, Iowa on August 8, 1983 who precedes him in death. Richard then moved to Grove, OK to be closer to family where he enjoyed the lake, warmer weather and making new friends. 

Richard is survived by his four children: Steve (Jo) West of Grove, OK, Robyn (Steve) Howell of Broken Arrow, OK, Sandy (Jack) Kirkpatrick of Afton, OK, Rhonda (Randy) Seward of Houston, TX; 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and three nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger, sister-in-law Mary Jo and niece Sharon. 

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, January 15, 2025 at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery located at 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. A Celebration of Life gathering to follow.