William Otho "Billy" West

William Otho "Billy" West, 58, Springfield, died June 18, 2005, at his home after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on March 8, 1947, in Rich Hill, the son of Bill and Nola "Susie" Miller West. He married Eva Mae Derry on May 27, 1967, in Rich Hill.

He attended high school in Rich Hill. He joined the U.S. Army in 1964. He served in Vietnam, then returned to Rich Hill. He spent most of his life as a truck driver most recently employed by PLS Trucking in Stafford, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his wife, Eva, of the home; three children, Sherry DeMaree, Nevada, and Billy West and Tanya Tummons, both of Springfield; nine grandchildren; his mother, Nola Yaw; three brothers, Wayne West, Jim West, and Scotty Yaw; and two sisters, Diane Smith and Barbara West, all of Rich Hill. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other family.

Services were held on June 21, at 2 p.m., at Heuser Funeral Home, with Bill Perkey officiating. Music was provided by Donya Bridgewater. Pallbearers were Derek Keller, Jimmy West, Jimmy Kithcart, Jeramie West, Richard Kithcart and Justin West. Honorary pallbearers were Kenny Kassner and Harold Thomas. Military rites were provided by American Legion Post No. 67. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill. Arrangements are by Heuser Funeral Home.