Roy Emory West, 80, of Yukon, Oklahoma passed from this life, in his home, on Sunday, February 10, 2019. Roy was the husband of Gloria Rice West, and they shared 59 years of marriage together.
Roy was born August 18, 1938 to Homer Tatum and Sarah Elizabeth Boles West in Eldorado, Oklahoma. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1959, where he played basketball and baseball. Roy was offered a scholarship to play baseball for Baylor University, but married his high-school sweetheart, Gloria on April 27, 1959 in Altus, Oklahoma.
Roy retired from Western Electric/AT&T with 33 years of service in 1991. He then went to work at Will Rogers World Airport as a Huntleigh Security Supervisor, where he worked for 11 years, retiring in 2002.
Roy was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Republic of Texas, Presidential Families of America, Yukon Historical Society, and was an honorary member of the National Huguenot Society.
Roy enjoyed playing golf with friends and family, and traveling to various states to visit extended family, and to assist Gloria in her genealogy research. Together, they were able to travel to England, France, Italy, Greece, Japan, Egypt, and his all-time favorite trip was to the “Holy Land,” Israel.
Roy will be remembered for his servant’s heart. He cooked breakfast for the Baptist Men’s prayer breakfast at Trinity and Yukon First Baptist churches. Roy never met a stranger, as he would strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. He loved to dance and took tap and ball room dancing from the age of 8 to 16. As an adult, he was known to “cut-a-rug” anytime and anywhere. Roy’s favorite past time was drinking coffee, and playing cards with his family.
Roy loved the Lord, and was a godly man who possessed a strong love for his Lord Jesus Christ. He also possessed an extremely strong work ethic, and always said “a man’s word is his bond.” Roy was the family comedian. He loved people, and had a story or joke to tell at all times. Roy’s physical therapist asked to come one more time just to visit and share a joke with him. Roy was even sharing stories and jokes with his family hours before his passing.
Roy is preceded in death by his parents Homer and Sally Boles West, three brothers Billy John West, Homer Tatum West Jr, and Robert Oscar West.
He is survived by wife, Gloria Rice West, and four children, Debra and spouse Alan Ridgeway of Yukon, Sarah and spouse Terry Doherty of Gainesville, Georgia, Chris and spouse Kelly West of Yukon, and Laura and spouse Mark Miller of Edmond; ten grandchildren, Christopher Miller, Heather Doherty, Rachel Doherty Finney, Christopher West and spouse Courtney, Aaron Doherty, Katie Hignite, Joshua West and spouse Sarah, Savannah Miller, Brendan Miller and spouse Ryann, and Emily Miller; and four great grandchildren Cole West, Mathilda Finney, Kameron Swearingen and Chapman West.
Roy is also survived by one brother, Jerry Ronald West and spouse Patsy of Purcell; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, located at 620 N. Cemetery Rd., Yukon, Oklahoma at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Services will be officiated by Pastors Scott Kinney and Mark Chase. Interment immediately following funeral services at Yukon Cemetery.
Visitation and viewing is scheduled for the public and friends of the family on Friday, February 15 at Yanda and Son Funeral Home located at 1500 W. Vandament in Yukon from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Online condolences may be signed at http://www.yandafuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
