John S. West, Sr.

John S. West, Sr. lovingly known as “Big John”, 91, prominent long-time businessman and former Mayor of Poplar Bluff, died Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. West, son of the late Henry Celester and Florence May Briggs West, was born Dec. 20, 1923 in Denver, Tenn. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church and a former member of First United Methodist Church, where he was presented a 50 year Galilee Sunday School Class pin. Mr. West proudly served his country as a First Sergeant in US Army. For his dedicated service in the South Pacific he was awarded an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, a Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and an Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. On Jan. 30, 1957, Mr. West was elected Mayor of Poplar Bluff to complete the unexpired term of the late E. W. Robinson. He was 33 years old at the time and was the sales manager for Bluff City Motors, where he later became co-owner with Guy Shackelford and Buck Price. Mr. West was then elected to a full term as Mayor of Poplar Bluff. During his time as Mayor, he established the Karen West Center in memory of his late daughter, Karen Sue West. Later in years, Mr. West formed Southern Truck and Equipment with his son, John S. West, Jr. and Bill Williams. He also developed West Bluff Estates for Josh Brown, and later developed West Village. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 209, where he was presented a 50 year pin; was a 32nd degree Mason, where he was presented a 50 year pin; and was a member of Moolah Temple, where he was also presented a 50 year pin. Mr. West loved his God, his family, his children, his church and his country.

On August 15, 1964, he married Muriel Butler in Pocahontas, Ark. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include four children: John S. West, Jr. of Poplar Bluff, Wendy Jones and her husband, Allan of Jonesboro, Ark., Cindy Wells and her husband, Larry of Poplar Bluff and Susan Lamb and her husband, Rick of Cape Girardeau; an honorary son, Mike Persons of Poplar Bluff; nine grandchildren: John S. West III and his wife, Lori, Matthew West, Weston Jones, John Henry Jones, Allie Jones, Joshua Wells, Jacob Wells, Mallory Meyr and her husband Chad and Lauren Lamb; seven great-grandchildren: Cody West, Mason West, Michael Griggs, Ashley Chittenden, Brittany Chittenden, Beckett Meyr and Hudson Meyr; two sisters: Wythia Hefner and Marjorie Rushin, both of Poplar Bluff; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. West was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Sue West; a daughter-in-law, Donna L. West; a sister, Elizabeth Ruser; and five brothers: Alan West, Herschel C. West, James O. West, E. L. “Bub” West and Marion W. West.

A Masonic service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, with the visitation following at 6 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church with Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 551 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.