Owen L. West, 88, of Eureka passed away at 430 AM on Monday, December 15, 2014 at home. He was born January 18, 1926 in Peoria to Clyde M. and Pamella E. West. He married Nancy L. Hill on August 2, 1952 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Gail Ann (John) Wasson of McKinney, TX, Janet L. (Steve) Gray of Cary, NC, and Robert Owen West of Chattanooga, TN; and his grandchildren, Lauren (Dustin) Prusik, Kelsey Gray, John Owen Wasson, Jacqueline Wasson, and Rachel Wasson; and also a brother, Randall (Mary Jane) West of Peoria.
Owen graduated from Peoria High School and served in the U.S. Army. He received a bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University where he met the love of his life Nancy L. Hill. He then furthered his education recei
ving a P.H.D. in Education from West Virginia University. He was formerly Director of Bands at Gibson City High School and at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Beginning in 1968, Owen served as Professor of Education at Eureka College and was in charge of the student-teacher program for 23 years.
Owen loved music and played trumpet for many events in bands, orchestras, and dance bands including Nancy West and the Colleagues. He played trumpet in the Peoria Municipal Band for over 40 years. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha and the American Federation of Musicians.
He was a member of Eureka Christian Church where he served as Elder, Deacon and Chairman of the Board.
He will be remembered for his love of music, his passion for teaching, and his dedication to leading and serving his family with wisdom, by example and in loving generosity.
Funeral services will be held at12 PM on Saturday December 27, 2014 with Rev. Jennie Churchman officiating. Visitation will be from 10AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will be in Olio Township Cemetery Eureka. Memorials may be made to Eureka Christian Church, Eureka College, and Illinois Wesleyan University. Online condolences may be directed to his family at www.argoruestmanharris.com
Visitation
DEC
27.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CST)
Eureka Christian Church
302 S. Main
Eureka, IL 61530
Funeral service
DEC
27.
12:00 PM (CST)
Eureka Christian Church
302 S. Main
Eureka, IL 61530
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