Celebration of Life Johnny West

FEBRUARY 22, 1935 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 Vernon AME Church Monday, September 11, 2023 - 11:00AM 311 North Greenwood Tulsa, OK 74106 Johnny West was the sixth born child to Irving and Bernice West on February 22, 1935. Born a preemie, and once thought to not survive, Johnny took the world by storm. He attended grade school in Drumright, OK and graduated with the class of 1954 from Lincoln High School in Bristow, Ok.

Johnny went on to attend Langston University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1958. During his tenure at Langston, he was a straight A student often listed on the Dean and President’s Honor Roll. Johnny pledged the Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, in the Fall of 1956. He became a life member on October 21, 1973.

In the Fall of 1957, he laid eyes on his soon to be wife, Veola French. Johnny wooed her with his desire and ability to provide her every need. The two would solidify their union on August 24, 1958.

This union birthed their daughter Dana Sue, adopted Robert and Nicole West and affectionately raised Margaret Myers and Taylor-Rae West.

After graduation, Johnny was drafted into the Army where he served two years in active duty and thirty-one years for active reserve, receiving a multitude of awards and accolades. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major.

The highest rank in the Army Reserve.

Johnny was a dedicated and hardworking man that was sure to get the job done right (no matter how long it took him). He began his work career in college as a milkman during the Summer. After returning home from active duty, he became a U.S. Postal Worker. Johnny, being an ambitious person, accepted a job with Cherokee Oil Pipeline. Due to his superb workmanship and dependability, he was transferred to Granite City, Illinois to supervise cargo up and down the Mississippi River. Due to segregation and racism, Johnny could not find suitable housing for his family in Granite City or the surrounding area.

He ultimately decided to relocate his family back to Tulsa, Ok. He was then hired as one of three employees at the Tulsa Housing Authority and became the opening manager of Comanche Park, Apache Manor, Pioneer Plaza, LaFortune Park and Hughley Terrace. He retired in 1998. Johnny became an established entrepreneur upon opening his own guttering business, Rain Catchers Guttering Service.

Johnny was a faithful member of Vernon A.M.E Church where he sang in the Young Adult Choir, was a member of the Young Adult Club, served as an adult Sunday School Teacher, Vernon Credit Union board member, steward and most recently served as a trustee. Johnny could often be found, fixing,

repairing or building items at the church.

He enjoyed decorating the church for Christmas and building floats for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.

He was servant leader, helping any and all that needed help or advice, only wanting a thank you in return.

Johnny was a hands-on parent, present for everything, often embarrassing his children by standing on his head and telling bad jokes. He took pride in checking their homework and it was A+ work. He took it upon himself to be a mentor and father figure to all he came in contact with.

He is preceded in rest by his parents Irving and Bernice, brothers Irving Jr., and Robert, sisters Corenthea Mae West and Ada Lee Simmons and two grandchildren Gabriel West Harrington and Joseph West Harrington.

His life’s memory and legacy will be cherished by, his loving wife of 65 years, Veola E. West, Older sister Lillie Qualls of OKC, daughters Dana West-Harrington (Cedric) of Mansfield, TX and Nicole West of Tulsa, OK; son Robert West of Stillwater, OK. A special addition Margaret Myers (Joel) of Tulsa, OK, best friends Frank and Jean Simmons, Doris and John Adams and Jane Malone. Thirteen grandchildren Reshawna, Carrie, John, Romello, Taylor-Rae, Nevach, Johnathan, Evan, Heaven (Pinky), Robert II, Sydnee, Deon II and one great-grandchild Caius.

A host of brothers-in-law and sistersin- law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Burial following in Clearview, Oklahoma at Davis/French Cemetery.

Repast following at the Clearview Community Center (gym).