Cecil West

Arnold Cecil West, 89 a lifelong Fort Sumner, NM resident died Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at his home. Cecil was born February 3, 1923 in Fort Sumner to the home of Ad C. and Grace (Lawson) West. He attended Fort Sumner schools where he excelled in football as a running back. Following his graduation in 1942, Cecil enlisted in the U.S. Army, he served with General George Patton in five campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Cecil was proud of his military service. His was assigned to Battery B, 177th Field Artillery Battalion. His duties were Light Truck Driver and his military qualifications included the MKM Carbine. Cecil was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army on March 15, 1946. He was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. Cecil returned to New Mexico where he worked for a few years in a Potash Mine in Carlsbad. He worked for the De Baca County Road Department for over 27 years of service and retired as County Road Foreman in the early 1980’s. Cecil enjoyed spending many hours caring for his yard. He was always watering, pulling weeds or raking the gravel in his driveway. He was also a great supporter of the Fort Sumner school athletics, and made an effort to attend every sporting event. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner. Cecil is preceded in death by his wife Shirley J. West in 1998, his parents, his first wife Betty West, a sister Ozelle Ratliff Howe in 2003, two brothers Woodrow West in 1964, Vane West in 1945 and a nephew Sonny Ratliff in 1989. Survivors include a sister Addie Whittington of Midland, TX; three brothers Sidney “Red” and wife Peggy West of Fort Sumner; Jake and wife Leona West of Fort Sumner; Denton and wife Nina West of Marco Island, FL; grandchildren Bob Key of Phoenix, AZ and Tammy Mackeben of El Paso, TX along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 7, 2012 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Glenn Thyrion officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Matt West, Jacob West, Caleb West, Adam West, Jameson West, Mike West, Charlie West, and Stephen Gallegos. Honorary bearers will be all his nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be Friday from 1PM to 6PM at Chavez Funeral Home. The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Cecil West to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, NM. (575) 355-2311. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com