Calvin West

Calvin West September 27, 1929--June 30, 2016 To all the folks in Rusk who waved to me as I rode by on my golf cart on my way to wherever I fancied, to all those who politely yielded right of way and let me turn into Brookshire Bros on my many trips there daily, to all the folks I did business with and swapped tales with over the 22 years I’ve lived in Rusk, Goodbye. With my wife in tow, I followed my daughter and son-in-law here in 1994. We bought an old home on the corner of First and Main and spent almost two years remodeling. I met many of my neighbors during that time. Back when I was able, I fed the volunteer fire department every Wednesday evening. It gave me great joy, every Christmas, to play Santa and call the children of parents wanting to know what to buy them for Christmas. I would get those kids to tell me EVERYTHING on their wish list. I grew up in extreme poverty, in deep east Texas, but my family moved, by wagon, to New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana in hopes of growing a crop big enough to feed all our hungry mouths. I was raised in the Great Depression, experienced hunger in the truest sense of the word, suffered great loss and survived it all. I married the loved of my life and our marriage lasted “till death did us part.” I had two daughters whom I loved dearly and saw them marry men who enriched our lives enormously. I had great neighbors who looked after my wife and I. To all of you, for all you’ve done, THANK YOU. To all who shared a funny story or a good joke with me, keep up your good humor. To all of you who agreed with my political views, keep up the good fight. To all those opposed, may you change your views before it’s too late. I will miss you all. I have loved telling you stories. Stories of my youth, great battles, high humor and good times. My story, after 87 years, finally has its ending. If you see my wife around town, please give her a friendly pat on the shoulder and tell her you feel for her loss. I am leaving a big hole in her life. After 58 years of marriage, she will be lost without my constant direction and ribbing. Tell her a joke or a good story. She will be missing that. It’s the neighborly thing to do, I would do the same for your loved one. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Calvin West

September 27, 1929 - June 30, 2016