Wayne West

Wayne West, 75, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in his home, surrounded by his loving wife and cherished daughters.

Wayne was born January 13, 1950, in Cave Springs, Missouri, to William and Gertrude West.

Wayne met the love of his life Carolyn in high school. They were married January 23, 1970, and shared 55 joyful years. They were blessed with three daughters: Amber, Ashley, and Abbey. Wayne was proud to take on the role of girl dad.

Wayne was a graduate of Ash Grove High School. He loved the community he grew up in. In 1987, Wayne felt led to run for Ash Grove School Board, where he proudly served for 12 years. 

Wayne was a Baptist at heart and his faith never wavered. 

Through his hard work Wayne built a successful painting and drywall business and provided for his family.

Wayne was an avid hunter and enjoyed many pheasant and quail hunts with family and friends. He loved his dogs. While he had many good hunts, those with Windy and Ted were some of his favorites. 

Wayne loved a good western. He collected baseball cards and enjoyed going to card shows across the state. He was funny and silly, with that sense of humor only he had.

Wayne loved his grandchildren dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. Whether it was a game of cards, scrabble, or checkers - he was always ready. Four-wheeler rides were always available, and many days were spent hunting in the fields at grandpa’s house. He was everything a grandpa should be.

Wayne was the toughest man we ever knew, he had the biggest heart for his family and friends. His smile and laughter will be remembered always. 

Wayne will be missed by his wife, Carolyn, his daughters; Amber Michalkiewicz and husband, Jesse of Neenah WI, Ashley Giddens and husband, Jarad of Nixa, Abbey Higgins and husband, Chris of Republic; grandchildren Hannah, Cade, Alivia, Elise, Crosby, and Camille; his brothers Charles West and wife Judy, Tommy West and wife Phyllis, and sister-in-law Faye West, and several nephews and nieces.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father William and mother Gertrude, his brothers Orville Lee and Bob, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ward and Dorothy Williams, sisters-in-law Viv West and Joyce Daniel.

The family would like to thank Cox Health Home Hospice for their care, guidance, and support.

“She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father.” Harper Lee

Visitation was 1-3 p.m., Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove. Funeral services were 11 a.m., Monday, February 10, 2025, at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Clear Creek Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Ash Grove Athletic Department and may be left with the funeral home.