SGM Tex “Conley” West, Jr., U.S. Army (Ret.), 80, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 22, 2024.
He was born January 26, 1944 in Kayjay, Kentucky to Conley West, Sr. and Sally (Lawson) West.
Conley enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963, where he became a skilled sniper. He served five tours in Vietnam and earned four Purple Hearts for his injuries. He retired from the military after 28 years of dedicated service in July 1991, having achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. He was a member of the American Legion and the Purple Heart Association.
Conley moved to St. Joseph, where he was a ROTC instructor at Missouri Western State College from 1984 to 1991. He then was a JROTC instructor at Central High School from 1991 to 2005. He could outrun and outlast any of his students. He enjoyed going to Pigeon Hill gun range with his grandchildren and students, who had the opportunity to learn from a skilled marksman.
Conley married Carol Ann Riepen on January 3, 1987. She preceded him in death on August 25, 2024.
A joyful man known for always singing or whistling, Conley loved fishing and dogs. He and Carol spent many hours together with woodworking projects in the shop. In his later years, Conley enjoyed tending to his yard.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Carol; his parents; and siblings, Rondal “Royce” West and Dorothy Hamilton.
Survivors include his children, John West, Nikie Glasbrenner (Jim), Brett Dalby, and John Michel; grandchildren, Jeremy Glasbrenner (Brianne), Corey Glasbrenner, Drue Dalby, Matthew Michel (Crystal), Bryan Stewart, Brandon Dalby (Novamei), and Brian Dalby (Marie Lou); 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Tony West, Michael West, Sandra Hensley, Linda West, and Kathy Morris; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
