Charley West

Charles Everett West passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on January 21, 1936, in the Edgerton, MO area to JC and Opal (Waters) West. As a young man, Charley was actively involved in 4-H while growing up on the family farm.

Charley graduated from Gower High School in 1954, where he was a member of FFA and played football. Upon graduation, Charley served for 2 years in the Missouri Air National Guard.

On November 3, 1956, he married Karen (Loutermilch) West, and together they built their home in the Edgerton/Gower area. They later purchased a farm, where they raised their seven children. Charley and Karen shared 67 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary in November 2023. They spent 50 of those years on the farm they loved so much.

Charley was a devoted member of Frazier Baptist Church, where he took great joy in serving as a deacon, teaching Sunday School, and visiting his deacon families. He was deeply involved in the church community, participating in Bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship gatherings, forming many lifelong friendships. Charley also served as a board member for Hebron Cemetery in Buchanan County.

In his professional life, Charley spent 30 years working for TWA while also managing the family farm. After retiring in 1992, he continued farming and became a caregiver to many friends and family members, offering his help wherever it was needed.

Charley was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen (Loutermilch) West, his parents JC and Opal West, his brother Jerry D. West, and his daughter Gina Rae West.

He is survived by his children: Dee (John) Moore of Edgerton, MO; Roben (Jeff) Tebbenkamp of Republic, MO; Jayme (Roger) Evans of St. Joseph, MO; Andrea (Tim) Edwards of Kimberling City, MO; Natalie West of Liberty, MO; and Jeff (LeaAnn) West of Bolivar, MO. Charley is also survived by his siblings: Larry West of St. Joseph, MO; Carl (Nancy) West of Gladstone, MO; and Kay (Ron) Jackson of Easton, MO, along with 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Frazier Baptist Church in Frazier, MO. The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Frazier Baptist Church, with interment at Hebron Cemetery in Gower, MO, at a later date. All arrangements are entrusted to Hixon-Klein Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gower Convalescent Center in Gower, MO, in memory of Charley West.