Don L. West

April 1, 1950 - February 23, 2017

Don was the oldest son of Francis Pershing "Frank" West and Cora Annalee England. He was born in South West City, MacDonald County, Missouri and received his upbringing and education in Grove, Delaware County, Oklahoma. He was a member of the Cherokee Indian tribe. Don joined the United States Army in 1969 and upon completing his basic training he was assigned the 1st Infantry Division - the Big Red One - and shipped to Vietnam. He participated in four different campaigns against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces during the 12 months he served in the Vietnam War. Don was married twice and left a daughter from the first marriage. A second daughter died as a toddler. His second marriage, to Kitty Boydston, lasted for over 35 years. No children were born to this union. Don was handy around his home and there wasn't much he couldn't build or fix. He preferred to be outside enjoying the sun and nature as well as the birds and animals. For over 30 years Don worked as a welder and welding inspector, retiring in July 2014. In March of 2014, Don was diagnosed with colon cancer and that it had spread to his liver. He under went treatment for the disease without ever complaining or showing how much he hurt. In December 2016 the cancer had moved to his lung but by then he was weakening. He passed quietly into his eternal sleep with his wife Kitty at his side. Sergeant Donald L. West served his nation honorably during the Vietnam War and was awarded the following decorations and badges for his service: - Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB) - Bronze Star Medal - Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (second award) - Army Good Conduct Medal - Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze battle stars - National Defense Service Medal - Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 device - South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm ribbon unit citation ribbon - South Vietnam Cross Civil Actions Honor ribbon with Palm unit citation ribbon. - Cold War Recognition Certificate Rest in Peace...you deserve it.