In Loving Memory of

John Otis West, Sr.

Sunrise February 24th, 1945 – Sunset November 18th, 2021

John O. West, Sr. (affectionally known as Johnny, Uncle Johnny, West and Uncle West) was born on February 24, 1945. His parents Cleoda and Rev. William West were excited and happy about the arrival of their baby boy. He was the 9th of 13 siblings in rural Bell City, Missouri.

John was the first of his siblings to be born on his parents first owned farm. In 1953 the family sold their farm and relocated to Decatur, Illinois. John was educated through the Decatur Public School System. He graduated from Douglas Mac Arthur High School.

John was inducted into the United States Army in 1965, where he served as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division. It was such a blessing when he returned home safely. Thanks be to God.

John was employed by General Motors for more than 30 years before retiring. Prior to retirement he became a member of New Testament Missionary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan, under the leadership of Reverend Freddie L. Banks.

John had many hobbies, he enjoyed fishing, walking, discussing politics, cooking, and especially entertaining his grandchildren, but not on Sundays after 12 noon when it was time for football.

During his service in the military, John married Sheryl Scott and two beautiful children were born to the union, John Jr, and Kelley Renee. The marriage dissolved in divorce.

He later remarried Concetta Robinson. They were blessed to have Twin daughters Terri and Sherry and a son Jason.

There was no greater joy than the love of his grandchildren. He had five granddaughters and five grandsons. He was a great-grandfather of two.

John leaves to cherish in his loving memory, his children: Kelly (Robert) Brown, Terri West, and Jason (Ryan) West, his grandchildren: Kristy, Tyler, Kristopher, Colton, Kaylen, Aidan, Sydni, Selena, Roman, and Logan, his great-grandchildren: Gavin and Aspen.

He is also survived by three sisters, Marion Maxine West Lourant, Vivian Ludean West, and Ethel Idella West, and one brother, Karlton West, and one brother/nephew, Kelvin Eugene West, sisters-in-law Patricia Beasley West and Mildred West, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sherry West, and son, John Otis West, Jr.; two sisters, Dorothy Mae West Pullen, Daisy Mae West Kirkpatrick; six brothers, William David West, Robert Henry West, Isaiah Omar Saleem, Jethro West, Malvin Claudean West, and Clarence Ezra West.

The family appreciates the support, love and prayers of family, friends.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the New Testament Baptist Church with Rev. Freddie L. Banks officiating . The church is located at 1230 W. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, Mi 48197.