J.D. West

J.D. West went to be with his Lord on July 18, 2012. He was born Aug. 6, 1932 in Marlow, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Samuel and Alice West; his sister and brother, Orpha York and Enoch West; and his great-granddaughter, Faith West. He also was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara West, in 2002.

After graduating from North Little Rock High School in Arkansas, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served in the Korean War.

J.D. lived in Mineola 34 years and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. He and his wife owned Westwood Furniture and Miss Scarlett's Tea Room. He was the Music Director at Golden Baptist Church for many years and was at one time the Executive Director of Lake Country Playhouse.

The most important thing to J.D. was family. "Paka", as he was known to those who love him, loved to laugh and spend time with family and friends. He was ready to travel any time the opportunity presented itself. He had a passion for music all of his life and enjoyed playing the piano and singing. He touched lives and ministered to many people through song.

J.D. will be remembered for his kind soul, zest for life, and sense of humor. He was a man of courage and strong faith. The pain in our hearts will be lessened by the knowledge that he is singing in heaven with his Lord and Savior.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Cydney and Scott Elsey of Mineola; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Sara West of Mineola; grandson and wife Brad and Heather Elsey of San Diego, CA.; granddaughter Allison Elsey of Dallas; grandson Thomas West of Mineola, grandson and wife Lee and Lindsey West of Mineola, granddaughter and husband Alexandra and Brandon Ross Roberts of Quitman, and granddaughter and husband Alayna and Abel Palacios of Mineola; eight great-grandchildren; sister Claudean Bramlett of California; sister Lucille Hooten of Mineola; and a number of special nieces and nephews.