John Edward West

Life’s Reflection

John Edward West was born May 30, 1946 to Edward and Johnnie Mae West.  He was one of eight children.  Growing up in Oakland, California, John attended school in the Bay Area, including Laney Junior College where he received an Associate’s degree.

In 1963 John met Sandra Hughes, and on December 24, 1965 the two were marred.  They had two sons Dion and Desmond, of which he was very proud of.  He loved his family.

John was drafted into the United States Army in 1965.  He served one tour in the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge in 1967.  Soon after, John went to work at General Motors Assembly in Fremont, California.  He transferred to Kansas City plant in 1983.  Before retiring in 1998, John had the opportunity to work at the General Motors Baltimore and Oklahoma Assembly plants.

John gained many great friendships during his years at General Motors.  These friendships turned into family ships and lasted well past his retiring years.  He shared many great memories with his General Motors Family. 

Although he was of reserved nature, John enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  However, he was not immune to the overstress of life.  In the late 1990’s he became dependent on alcohol.  He made the fateful decision to get sober and became an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous.  John believed in the AA program and became a strong supporter and leader of those struggling with the addiction. 

He was precede in death by his father, Edward West; sister, Katherine Chew; and son, Desmond West.

He leaves to carry on his love and legacy, his wife of 50 years Sandra; his son, Dion West of San Antonio, Texas; Grandchildren, Ashli Simmons (David) and Kayden of San Antonio, Texas; Dawari; Aza; Devdan; Dasha; and Dominic all of Kansas City, Kansas; two great grandchildren, Javaun and Mikaia of San Antonio, Texas; his mother, Johnnie Wright of Oakland, California; two sisters, Louise Boatner of Jasper, Texas; Bertha Adams (John) of Oakland, California; four brothers, George (Neddy); Larry; Andrew; William (Ann); and brother-in-law, Ron Hughes; all of Oakland, California.

John will be missed by family and friends.  He touched the lives of many

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