David Kendall West, 55, of Cadiz, died Sunday, Oct. 5, at Trinity Medical Center West in Steubenville. He was born March 25, 1959 in Wheeling, W.Va., a son of Virginia Wheeler Hython West of Columbus, the late Clarence “Brazzie” West.
Mr. West was a former trooper at the Cambridge Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, before becoming disabled. He was a member of the United Pentecostal Church in Cambridge.
In addition to his fathers, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Pamela West-McFadden and Ginger West Jones.
Surviving, in addition to his mother, are three daughters, Josselyn West of Worthington, Jade West of Ft. Lee, N.J. and Alexandria Thomas of Worthington; two sons, Arin Ray of Piscataway, N.J. and Jorden Kendall West of Worthington; two granddaughters, Icis West and Aubrey Parisis; his former wife, Leslie Tilton of Worthington; three sisters, Rhonda West of Largo, Md., Terri (Aubrey) Watts of Upper Marlboro, MD and Tracey West of Columbus; two brothers, Brent (Edwina) West of Columbus and Randy West of Upper Marlboro, Md.; several nieces nephews and a host of other family and friends.
Friends may call Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of services at 11 a.m. at St. James A.M.E. Church, 301 E. Market St., Cadiz, Ohio. Elder Howard Rudolph will officiate. Burial will follow at Cadiz Union Cemetery.
The family is assisted by Clark-Kirkland Funeral Home, Cadiz.
Online condolences may be made at www.clark-kirkland.com.
8 of us grew up together and there was never a dull moment in that house. I grew up thinking we were rich, because we never wanted for anything. We fought like most siblings. But, would fight for one another in a heartbeat. Most people in Cadiz knew not to mess with us. I could easily fight my own battle, I knew that I could always threaten to tell my big brother on someone if they tried to mess with me. And, that it was not just an idle threat. When I left home at 18 to attend OSU, Kendall, you were one of the ones that I could always depend on to send me a little something in the time of need. In the many trips back and forth from Columbus, I remember fondly you teaching me that both lanes of SR 22 was yours as long as no car was coming from the other direction and that the curves were nothing to fear and the speed limit signs were not meant for you. Good thing that you were a Highway Patrolman. That probably saved you from many tickets. When we got older, you told me that you needed a change and needed to come stay with me, which gave us an opportunity to get closer all over again. I love you more than I can ever show. When you started getting sick, my heart ached with you. You refused to quit working and continued to find another job, whenever they would let you go due to your sickness, even when I begged you to do so, because I saw how hard it was on you press on. You were a father who loved his kids, even more than life itself. And, would never take your medicine and would always try to act so strong whenever it was time to come around. Although afterwards I would watch you be sick. And, then one day I came home from work and found you slouched over in the chair, having suffered a stroke. You were never the same after that. But, you were still my big brother. And, I still loved you and looked up to you. It was hard on you, at first to have to depend on others to take care of you. But, I am grateful that I was able to be there for you at that time. And, so grateful for the help of our cousins Sandy, Deanie and Larry, who were there for you at that time. I missed you so much when you left. But, I am so glad for you that you enjoyed your life at Carriage Inn, where everyone loved you and treated you like a king. Which made it hard every time that I tried to get you to move back to Columbus, after mom got sick, so that you would be closer to family. I will miss you rushing me off the phone so that you can eat or play games.
I am so glad that you enjoyed your life. But, even more than that, I am glad that you had been baptized and received the Lord as your savior years earlier. Sunday night when I reminded you of that and ministered to you letting you know that you needed to make sure that you were ready to meet the Lord, I truly did not believe that you would be gone at this time. But, I am glad that you understand and nodded your head in acceptance, as I ministered with you.
I love you Big Brother. Next to our Lord and Savior, and our earthly favor, you have always been my hero.
I will truly miss you!
God took you so suddenly and did not give us a chance to prepare for you departure. But, I know that He does all things well. And, that you could not go until it was your time. And, I am grateful, that your suffering is now over
You are now reunited with our sisters, Pam and Ginger.Give them a hug for me.
I will see you again on the other side.
Tracey
To Elder Tracey West and the family.
My condolence to you in the loss of your brother. You know we are praying, but I want you to also know you have a friend, who stands ready to serve during this time of sorrow. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you each second of each day.
We Love you Tracey,
Sister Veronica and the Prison Ministry