05/27/2020
Tommy Ray West, 89, of Center, Texas passed away on May 15, 2020 in Center, Texas. Born November 27 1930, in Zwolle, Louisiana, Tommy is the son of the late Tom West and Ida Meshell West. A memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 30, 2020 in sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Center.
Tommy Ray West was born on a farm outside of Zwolle, Louisiana. He spent most of his life in Zwolle where he graduated from high school in 1948. He loved playing baseball and basketball, and played both for Zwolle High School. Immediately after graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force. He was sent to Germany just after WWII had ended and his enlistment was for two years. Because of the situation in Europe at the time, his enlistment was extended two more years. He was stationed in Rhein Main, Germany where they were carrying out what they called “The Berlin Air Lift”. This was a program in which food was being flown into the people there, because they had no food available.
He was assigned to the finance office during this time and the work there defined his life’s work as an accountant. He returned to the states and discharged from the Air Force in about 1952. Upon his discharge, he immediately enrolled in Northwestern State College and in the spring of 1953, he met Alice Zenter. In January, 1955, after he graduated, they were married.
Upon graduation, he was hired by Atlas Doors and worked there for six years. During this time, the company was sold and became E.L. Bruce. In 1961, he moved his family to Louisiana for nine years. E.L. Bruce called him to return to Center to work for them again. He remained there until his retirement in 1993. He worked for the company for a total of 39 years.
Tommy is survived by:
His loving wife of 65 years, Alice West
They had four beautiful sons who also survive him:
Ronald (Ronny) West and wife, Connie of Georgia
Danny West and wife, Susan of Center
Troy West and wife, Kim of Azle
Kerry West and wife Florence of Center
11 grandchildren
14 great grandchildren
Sister, Margie West Homer of Kent, Ohio
A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly
He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ida Meshell West; brothers, Ted West and Marvin West; and grandson, Cody Josiah West.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
