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Wilbur Merwyn West

Wilbur Merwyn West obituary, Lawrence, KS

Wilbur West Obituary

Wilbur Merwyn West

Wilbur West was born April 13, 1915 in K.C. Missouri to Harry Wilbur and Flora Grace West. He passed from this life into the eternal life promised him by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 12:05pm, September 7, 2014. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1933 and from K.C. Kansas Junior College in 1935. He graduated from Emporia State Teacher's College in 1938 (B.A. Music Education). He received a Master's Degree in Music Education from KU in 1954.

Wilbur's first teaching position was in Fairview from 1938-41. He taught vocal and instrumental music plus classes in social studies & psychology. He was inducted into the Army in 1941 where he played baritone horn in the 130th Field Artillery Bank, then was transferred to the Field Artillery School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma in November 1942, where he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. May 12, 1945 he retired from the Army in Longview, Texas where he was the High School Band Director and later established "West's Melody Shop."

His musical education career continued in 1949, first in Turner, then Lexington, Missouri, and in Lawrence beginning in 1954. In Lawrence he taught stringed instruments in all Lawrence elementary schools and eventually added the LHS Orchestra. In 1959 he left music education behind and taught classroom in several grade schools and eventually West Jr. High School, from which he retired in 1975. During the period 1959-1975, he was a very successful World Book salesman and eventually a District Sales Manager.

Wilbur's love of music included playing violin in civic orchestras & ensembles, composing choral and instrumental music, church choir, and for 50 years repairing and restoring stringed instruments, including repairs for Lawrence schools for 20 years. His never ending sense of humor, wry observations, and language skills produced a broad spectrum of poetry regarding events and individuals that intersected with his walk through life.

Wilbur was proceeded in death by his dear wife Alice in September 1985. He is survived by his son Robert West, daughters Marilyn Albanese and Barbara Hanna, 9 grandchildren, and 15+ great grandchildren, as well as his decade+ friendship with Marion Thilking. A "Celebration of Wilbur's Life" will be held October 4, 2014 from 4-7 pm at Brandon Woods' Smith Center, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace.

Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Sep. 14, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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Mr. West was my homeroom teacher at West Junior High School so I considered myself to be very lucky. He was a kind, knowledgeable teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. Many former students have mentioned the Free Enterprise Fair and it must have had an impact on me because just a few days ago I was describing to someone the wind chimes I made! So happy to know that he lived a good, long life!

Lisa Dehon (Dailey)

September 22, 2014

As a child, I lived in the same neighborhood as the West family and remember them as wonderful people. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.

Wendy Milett

September 19, 2014

I remember Mr. West as a very patient, kind teacher and I enjoyed him very much. I enjoyed reading about his repair of violins and his ongoing passion for music. He made our world a better place.

Becky McMillen

September 18, 2014

Mr. West was one of our favorite teachers at West Jr, High. He made Common Learnings fun with his sense of humor and special projects like the Free Enterprise Fair. Will remember him always. Our prayers to his family.

Ed and Sandy O'Brien

September 18, 2014

Barbara, I first remember knowing your dad at Hillcrest School when he taught me flute. He was SO patient with me! Then I think you and I met when we were at church. You left town but I stayed and got to know Wilbur and Alice as good friends in the faith. Wilbur was so active in the community in so many areas, I don't know how we'll manage without him. Isn't it a joy to know that his faith has been made sight? Love to all of the dear West family near and far. Barb Allen Wasson

September 17, 2014

Our deepest sympathies.
Doug and Barbara Wasson

September 17, 2014

Please know that our prayers will be with you and your family during this time. Barb, it seems that your father made good use of every minute here on earth and loved life. What a good example for us all. Love, Patti and Rick Trapp

Patti and Rick Trapp

September 16, 2014

My prayers that you, Bob, and your sisters be granted an extra measure of understanding and gratitude for God's grace during these special days.

Jean McKinney

September 16, 2014

Bob and family, God bless and you are always in my thoughts. Semper Fi
George Osborne

September 16, 2014

We have know Wilbur all of the 27 years we have lived in Lawrence. As a string teacher in the Lawrence Schools, I enjoyed the many chats while picking up or dropping off instruments for repair. I also enjoyed introducing some of my Free State and Lawrence Youth Symphony students to Wilbur's compositions. It was a pleasure to know Wilbur in the Lawrence Music Club.
Our condolences to the family.
Lynn & Bob Basow

Lynn Basow

September 15, 2014

Mr. West taught me violin in elementary school and fed my love of music that continues to this day. Hearing the sound of the orchestra around me for the first time was a religious experience. May the Lord Jesus give His peace to all the West family. Love and God bless.

Helen Pendleton Rumbaut

September 15, 2014

Although I didn't know Mr. West well during high school, my wife and I became much better acquainted with him while attending Osher classes together. He was a wonderful man who also volunteered regularly at LMH by helping wheelchair entries and exits for people much younger than himself. My granddaughters, who were both servers at Brandon Woods during his time there, tell us that he was one of their very favorite people. He will be greatly missed! Our heartfelt sympathy to his family during this difficult time.

Bob Duver

September 15, 2014

I remember Mr. West for his warm, loving personalit! He always had something warm and often humorous to say to me.??
I am so glad he had a long life here on earth . I know he will be missed by so many of us who were blessed to have him influence our lives. MaryKay Dunlap Lanning

Mary Kay Lanning

September 15, 2014

I enjoyed knowing Wilbur for almost fifty years. It seemed that whenever I returned to Lawrence I would run into him and we would talk together and he would share stories about his family and provide a new pun. My heartfelt condolences to his three children Bob, Marilyn and Barbara.

Mike Miner

September 15, 2014

My fond memories of Mr. West were having him as a violin teacher and being in his home many times for slumber parties with Barbara. He and his wife were very kind hosts! My prayers are with the family.

Becky Ulmer-David

September 14, 2014

My older children have warm memories of Wilbur when he was at West Junior High. My husband and I always loved his sense of humor and puns. He was a wonderful man. Our sympathy to the family.

Loren and Beverly Dolezal

September 14, 2014

Mr. West was my "Common Learnings" teacher at West Junior High. Each year he had a class assignment called the Free Enterprise Fair, and we each set up a "booth" (a desk) where we sold items we had made -- a creative and memorable event. But mostly, Mr. West was a very kind gentleman. Blessings to the family.

Mike Boring

September 14, 2014

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