Loydis (Sarge) Wyatt West, 81, of Fayetteville, AR, died July 24, 2014 at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born August 23, 1932 in Coal Hill, Arkansas to the late Riley West and Othella (Reasoner) West. Sarge was preceded in death also by his daughter, Angela West Lies.
He was retired from Shelter Insurance Company and was a member of the Combs Street Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley J. Newton West of the home, four sons, Charles Hamilton and Luke West of Fayetteville, AR; Joseph (Robin) West of Nashville, TN; Tony West of Little Rock, AR; a daughter Ann (Fred) Allen of Fayetteville, AR, and nine siblings; Annie Wright of Lawrence, KS; Rayford (Katherine) West and Alphonso (Rosie) West of Wichita, KS; Bertha Alexander and Sylvester Jean (Joel) of Kansas City, MO; Ivory (Joe) Conley; Marilyn (Robert) Zachry; Steve (Christine) West of Fayetteville, AR and Marcia (Ivan) Lassiter of Bentonville, AR, 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren , and many close nephews, nieces, cousins and very close friends.
Sarge had a love for country music. He and his Wife, Shirley, were well known throughout the region, performing at various venues to raise money for various organizations. Sarge had a firm handshake and a look-you-in-the-eye technique that was unforgettable. He loved to serve his neighbors.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, July 31, 2014 at the Mt. Comfort Church of Christ with Steve West officiating and interment at 2:00 P.M. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm, Wednesday, July 30 at Beards Funeral Chapel. Pallbearers: Clifton Ealy, Hershell West, James Wilks, Fred Allen, Jeremy James, and Ben Carr. Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Hamilton, Joseph West, Luke West, Tony West, Al West, and Ray West. Arrangements are under the direction of Beards Funeral Chapel. Donations to the account for the care of Mrs. Shirley West may be made at any Arvest Bank location.
You will be missed. A man among men.
Butch and Wayne Conduff
Luke and family,
Peace be with you and your family at this time. Luke, from reading the comments about your father I see where all your caring, peaceful heart and strong sprint come from. Peace.
Renee 🙂
I came across some reels my family had of your mom and dad’s shows the Saege and Shirley Show and was missing him.
My family was Keith and Lena Lea Skelton and Richard and Carolyn Finn
If would like them please get in touch with us.
SHIRLEY AND EXTENDED FAMILIES,
WORDS FAIL ME WRITING OF OUR HISTORIES AND FRIENDSHIP, WORKING TOGETHER AT THE SHOPS AND LATER AT SHELTER CLAIMS DEPARTMENT. I WANT ALL TO KNOW HOW SORRY I AM FOR OUR LOSS…AND WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR COMFORT AND UNDERSTANDING, KNOWING IN THE END, GOD KNOWS BEST. HIS TIMING IS NOT OURS…PRAYERS CONTINUE
RON HARRISON
Shirley and family, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss . You and the family will certainly be in our thoughts during this most difficult time . We remember how much fun you, sarge and the family were to spend time with.
Thinking of all of you
My deepest regards to all the family and friend.
My appreciation to each one that I have had the pleasure
to spend time with. Prayers to all of you for strength
and peace at this time
I am so sorry for your loss! He is a wonderful and beautiful man and will be missed but never forgotten. He is with the Angels now. And he will be watching over his family and friends. Love you – from: Wanda Carr
Sarge, you were awesome. It won’t be the same without you on this earth.
Greatest sympathies for Sarges family. It will be sad not to see his big smile around our town. He was admired and loved by the Kelly family. It was my honor to have known such a kind man. May God give you strength during this hard time.
Dear Shirley, I knew Sarge and you through Ruby Watson. He was a true Gentleman. God Bless you.
Shirley, may God hug you and your family up tight and give you comfort in your heart. I’ll never forget his selflessness when my grandparents were alive. And I’ll miss (now that I know there is no chance) y’all sing together, at least in this life. May God bless and keep you and your family during this time of heartache.
Floyd Alderson and family
(Adron and Ruby Monroe’s grandson)
To all the family we send or sympathies and prayer for comfort during this trying time. Sarge was a gentleman and a scholar! He shall be missed by many.
Shirley,
So sad to hear of “Sarge’s” passing. We remember you two well from the old “Ozark Opry” days in Fayetteville. We will keep you in or prayers and “Sarge” in our hearts.
Ron & Lois Allen, Springdale
Bertha and Jean: We are so sorry about the earthly death of your brother Loydis. However, we rejoice in the fact that he was Christian and is with our Father in Heaven. Please know that we are thinking about and praying for you and your family. Sincerely, Members of the Blue Ridge Church of Christ, Kansas City, MO
To the West Family,
I only met “Sarge” a couple of times. It was only for business purposes through Shelter Insurance, that was over 25 years ago. But I still remember his smile, his warmth, his goodness, his honestly,etc. It is rare that someone can impact you so much in the few moments that you were around them over 25 years ago.
Had know Sarge and Sherley many years. Didn’t stay in touch as I should have. But remember watching Sarge play many times at the old Palace on the square.
I found out this morning about Sarge. Thinking of and prayers for Shirley and family. I met Sage and Shirley at a music show in 1967, Huntsville. I was 12 years old and worked the curtain. We were backstage and a band was setting up. A man came to me and said to only open the curtain so far because a man in the wheelchair didn’t want people seeing him. I did as he asked and another man came over , pushed me out of the way and opened the curtain.He was really mad for not showing the whole band. Sarge stepped between the man and my self and asked him to calm down. He told him what happened and pointed to the practical joker and he should talk to him, not me. He suggested politely I be apologized to which he did. Sarge put his hand on my shoulder and said it’s all okay, then he and Shirley performed beautifully together. That made a huge impact on me. I later worked at Sines Body Shop and had a run in with the boss. Sarge talked to me and said there will always be a Norwood Sines in life and to learn to deal with them now. I did, and he was right. I had the honor to be taught self defense by him and what I learned was how to obtain the attitude toward life. It was something I carried through my whole life. I lost my Dad in 1968 at 13 and was lost. He took the time to help a lost angry kid and show him there are good things in life and how to meet problems straight on in the right way. He, being who he was, saved me from myself. I can never say in words how knowing him helped me through my life. Thanks Sarge. Till we meet again, I’ll do what you taught. My condolences to family and friends. Love to you all.
Sis. Shirley and family, You have our deepest sympathies. We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. May God continue to grant you with the strength and comfort you need during this time of sorrow.
Shirley, so sorry to hear about Sarge. He was always there to help my daddy and mother in any way possible during daddy’s long illness. He would sit and visit with them and even visited mother after she was in the nursing home. We could not have asked for better neighbors for them. Praying for God’s comfort during this difficult time.
Luke and family,
So sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you all.
Love, Kim
Ann and family,
So sorry in the passing of your dad and loved one. He always made Taylor and I feel we were part of your family. I”ll remember his beautiful smile, walking down the aisle of Aunt Marcie”s wedding! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you.
Cathy and Taylor Walker
Marcia and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Sarge, but can only imagine what a wonderful person and brother he must have been. I know how close you are as a family and know that you will support each other as you begin to heal from this loss.
God bless you all!
Kathy Crites
Ann and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father and dear loved one. He made Taylor and I feel part of your family. I will remember his beautiful smile as he walked down the aisle at Aunt Marcie’s wedding. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy and Taylor Walker
Shirley words cannot exspress our sympathy for our loss Sarge was a ray of light that brought joy and happeness to every one that came in contact with Him, capitalized (H) because we know where He is with his spirtual Father now .. we will miss him along with you.. and our prayers are with you! Romans 1:9
Shirley and family – My deepest condolences! Sarge was one of the sweetest, nicest men I have ever met! His direct manner and ability to laugh at himself made thousands of friends in all walks of life, and I was one of his biggest fans, and I hope, one of his special friends. I have so many wonderful memories of our time together at Shelter Insurance, and one of the biggest, funniest practical jokes I have ever seen! Still laugh at the mere thought of it… Sarge was a joy in my life and will be deeply, deeply missed! Thank you for sharing him with us! And we are keeping the West family in our thoughts and prayers!
Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your entire family. May the love and light that surrounds you, help you find peace during this time of loss. He will be missed.
Kirk and Audrey Deffebaugh
Sarge was one of the best people I ever knew. He never met a stranger and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to help his fellowman. His ability to make people at ease in times of crisis made him one of the best at his job. I never heard a bad word about him and we’ll all miss his warm smile and great demeanor. May he rest in peace. Lewis Barnes Mountain Home, AR
Sarge was one of a kind. He knew no strangers and was a wonderful soul to whom ever he met. Having the pleasure to work with him for many years was one of the greatest honors of my life. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know him and were blessed from knowing him.
To the family of Sarge no words can express the sadness of your loss, but a man that has touched as many lives as Sarge is a blessed man in deed.
Thank you Sarge for being my Friend.
Tom McGill
I’m better for having known him. He lifted my spirits every time I talked to him. Always encouraging. I knew my brother in the Lord loved me.
To the West family: Sondra is in Minnesota and Tom is unable to attend. Our thoughts are with you and your family. No one can ever forget Sarge!
I never did meet Sarge, but he lived right behind my parents house. On more than one occasion he was summoned by my mom to help her when dad had fallen, etc. I will never forget how mom spoke so sweetly of him. God bless the family in this sad time. I have nothing but warm feelings for Sarge.
Just wanted to let the family know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.May God’s loving presence comfort you, His perfect peace restore you, and His promise of eternal life sustain you during this time of loss. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
In Sympathy-In Christian Love
Kevin and Debra Donahue
Farmington Church of Christ
Sarge was a good friend to all whom ever he met. Never a stranger..I’ve known Sarge & Ms. Shirley since I was a young child & he worked at Sines Body Shop on Dickson. He always took my hand & led me over to the paint colors and said what color do you want this year?? I’ve had White, Blue, Pink & Red Christmas Trees all thru my childhood. The only bad thing was we couldn’t take it home with us for a few days, because of drying time.
Sarge, you will be greatly missed on this earth, your big smile & gentle words. Your in good hands now. Ms Shirley and family, your in our prayers. Cindy
So very sorry for your lost, our prayers go out to all of you. His greatness will live on through all the people that he touched in his life. Celebrate his love for his family and the community.
A great man! I knew from Wal-Mart on 62 .He so loved you Shirley. I will miss his smile
I have delivered Meals on Wheels to Loydis and Shirley for several years . It was such a delight to be greeted, usually by Loydis, and we would exchange laughter. I always left there feeling good and looked forward to the next visit. My sincere sympathy goes out to Shirley and the rest of the family. My prayers are with you . Gary Gross
Ann and family,
Duane and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
God’s grace is sufficient this day, this hour, and moment by moment. Choose to lean on Him, for when you are at your weakest, his strength is strongest.
In our prayers,
Duane and Sheila Logan
Dear Shirley, We are so sorry. You and Sarge lived and loved a long time. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. I have been telling stories about Sarge to many. We laughed as he would have wanted us to do. Our best wishes go out to you and the children.
Jack and Jo Marr
May God pour out His Amazing Grace, Peace & Strength as you all grieve the loss of Sarge. We love you and will be praying for each of you.
HI MRS. SHIRLEY AND FAMILY THEIR ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE THAT GOD PLACES IN ONE WAY, THAT WAS BOR. SARGE HE WAS A DISTINCTIVE MAN HAD THIS SPECIAL GLOW ABOUT HIM, BIG BIG SMILE ALL WHITES GAVE THE BIGGEST HUGS THAT COULD TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY.WE PRAY FOR THE WEST FAMILY GOD BLESS.
Farewell to one of best men I’ve ever known – teacher and friend, and heart shining always.
Shirley, the first time I met Sarge was at West Fayetteville. He hugged me and said “I’m going to smear a little black on you.” I miss those hugs. Please know that Edwin and I am thinking of you. You and Sarge have been an inspiration to us. We love you very much.
I would like to offer up my most heartfelt condolences to Mrs. West and family. I was absolutely heartbroken to find this obituary while attempting to track down a man whom I have admired since I first met him as a 12 year old boy back in 1983. I was one of the kids who lived next door to Sarge’s office when he worked for Shelter Insurance. I remember rushing home from school and hurrying through my homework just so I could be sure to be in the parking lot hanging out around his quitting time at the end of the day. Sarge always made time to come talk to us and share one of his infectious smiles and a joke of just a few minutes of his time. I don’t think he ever knew just how important that was to me. I was really hoping for the opportunity to tell him that after all these years.
Thank you all sharing your stories of how Sarge impacted your life. I met Joe West (son) recently and have so appreciated vicariously Sarge and Shirley’s story. I look forward to learning more abou this precious family.
I would love to have the good folks who knew Sarge and Shirley be part of a documentary being filmed in 2018. For more information on how you can help be a part, please email me at warrenmatson@gmail.com. Warren Matson.