Allen West Jr.

Allen West Jr., 87, was born on November 14, 1930 on Jellico Creek in Whitley County.

He went home to be with the Lord on August 25, 2018 at the Laurel Heights Nursing Home in London, KY.

He was a member of Jellico Creek Baptist Church since March, 1966. He was previously a member of Alsile Baptist Church, baptized in Jellico Creek in September, 1949, at the age of 19.

His careers included working in a sawmill on his father’s land, later working in Harlan County, in the Black Star Coal mines in Alva, KY until 1956. He then moved to Michigan and worked as a carpenter. After returning to Kentucky, he went to work with two brothers-in-law as carpenters building houses in Lexington. He worked locally building for people until his sons were grown. His oldest sons, Jerry and Ralph, partnered with him in a business known as West Builders. Toward the end of his career, they built homes, under contract, in Norris, TN.

His hobbies and special interests included fishing in his pond, gardening and just visiting with his family, especially during Christmas. He treasured friendship with many special people that he met when he built homes for them. He fondly recalled many of their names when reminiscing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dora Carr West, his loving spouse Eula Mae Perkins West, brothers, Lonnie Harold, Clyde and Carl West and sister, Eula Mae Smith and two children, Chester Allen West and Patricia Louise Higginbotham.

He leaves behind to mourn his passing, six children; Carolyn (Anthony) Reaves, Jerry West, Ralph (Lana) West, Roger (Juanita) West, Diane (Roger) Taylor, and Pam Smith. His legacy includes having eight children, 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. His siblings Charles (Barb) West, Delorse Shelton, Marie Taylor, Violet (Ken) Taylor, and son-in-law, H.C. Higginbotham also survive. He leaves behind many more close friends and relatives and a special friend, Phyllis Gaylor.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, August 29 at 10 a.m. at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Doyle Lester and Rev. Anthony Reaves. Burial will follow in the Jellico Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Jellico Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, or Laurel Heights Nursing Home, Shepherd’s Cove in London, KY.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.croleyfuneralhome.com.

Croley Funeral Home of Williamsburg is in charge of the arrangements.