Orva Clarence West, 74, of Quincy, IL, formerly of Memphis, MO, passed away in his home at Bickford Cottage on July 21, 2012, following a short illness with cancer.
The son of Orva O. and Marguerite (Perkins) West, he was born on August 7, 1937 in Viola, Idaho. At an early age he moved with his parents to Lineville, IA and several years later moved to Marion, IA. He graduated from Marion High School in May, 1956.
Orva was an inspector for the Iowa State Highway Commission. His work mainly included working on the construction of Interstates 80 and 35.
Orva moved to Memphis, MO, in 1976 to start and manage the Scotland County Ambulance Service until January, 1993. He drove a semi for Vermillion Brothers from 1993 until 1999. He then became semi-retired, delivering fertilizer in the spring and fall for MFA.
Orva enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful things for their home and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Each grandchild had a cradle, a toybox, and many other things.
On August 26, 1983, Orva married Patricia (Olson) Jones in Memphis, MO. She survives.
Orva’s favorite pastimes were woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, riding his scooter, and drinking coffee with the gang at the Antique Building. He was well liked and respected by all who knew him.
Orva was a member of the United Methodist Church in Memphis, MO.
Preceding him in death were his son, Timmy West; granddaughter, Meagan Hollingshead; parents, Orva and Marguerite West; parents-in-law, Carl and Opal Olson; sister-in-law, Mary Olson; and brother-in-law, Bud Olson.
Survivors include his wife, Pat of Quincy; sons, Stan West of Lemmon, South Dakota, Scott West of Waterloo, IA, and Doug (Tracy) Jones of QuincyIL; daughters, Kathy (John) Hollingshead of Wyoming, IA and Debbie Barker of Bonaparte, IA; grandchildren, Josh (Tausha) Hollingshead of Cedar Rapids, IA, Nick (Sarah) Hollingshead of Wyoming, IA, Amber (Scott) Ewell of Austin, TX, Brandon (Lydia) Jones of Columbia, MO, Brad Hollingshead of Denver, CO, Brittany Hunt of Pine Mountain, GA, Jamie Barker and Kaleb Stein of Bonaparte, IA, and Connor Hollingshead of Clovis, New Mexico; great grandchildren, Jack, Porter, Morgan, Belle, Seth and Madison; sister, Sue (Don) Ruley of Central City;, IA; sister-in-law, Rita Olson of Las Vegas. NV; very special young friend, Zachary Behrens of Memphis, MO; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church in Memphis with Pastor David Howlett and Pastor Carol Blackwell officiating. Burial will be in the Memphis Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, from 1:00 until 8:00 p.m.at the Memphis chapel with the family meeting with friends from 6-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, to the Scotland County Nutrition Site, or to the United Methodist Church in Memphis and may be left at or mailed to Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main, Memphis, MO 63555.
2 comments
Our deepest condolences are sent to Nick Hollingshead and all of the family and friends of Orv West on behalf of Guardian Industries during this time of loss.
My deepest sympathy Pat, Junior was one of the good guys. I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you today to give you a hug, but please know I’m thinking of you.
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