Grover F. West, CMSgt., USAF (Retired)
July 04, 1937 – June 05, 2018

CMSgt. Grover F. West, Ret, 80, of O’Fallon, IL, born Sunday, July 4, 1937 in Carrollton, GA passed away peacefully, with family by his side on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Grover served honorably in the United States Air Force for 26 years and retired as a Chief Master Sergeant. While on active duty, he served tours in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, two tours with Military Airlift Command Inspector General (MAC/IG), and two tours with Headquarters Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (HQ-ARRS).

Grover was a member of the O’Fallon Moose Lodge #2608, Shiloh Eagles Aerie #545, Fairview Heights Elks Lodge #664, O’Fallon Veterans of Foreign Wars #805, American Legion Fisher-Sollis Post #137, O’Fallon Sportsman’s Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Tactical Airlift Command (TAC) Tanker Association, Jolly Green Association, O’Fallon Masonic Lodge #576, and the East St. Louis Ainad Shriners.

Grover enjoyed flying and was fascinated with airplanes, guns, and cars. He loved hunting, fishing, family, and friends, and was highly respected by all of those in which he influenced. His infectious smile and laugh were well known within the community, a community in which he loved and served dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover M. West and Enid West Gresham, nee Pitts; two sons, David M. West, and Donald G. West.

Grover is survived by his loving wife, Barbara J. West, nee Reid; daughter, Debra Monroe, nee West of Traverse City, MI; sister, Kathryn McKenzie of Carrollton, GA; nephew, Danny Shoemake of Carrollton, GA; four grandchildren-Travis (Andrea) Yates, Matthew (Stephanie) Monroe, Michael and Marlee Monroe; and five great-grandchildren, Noah, Evan, and Merrick Yates, Braylon and Hayden Monroe; daughters-in-law, Teresa Erickson and Elaine West.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children – St. Louis (donate.lovetotherescue.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/donate). Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 South Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269.

Funeral will be held Monday, June 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Schildknecht Funeral Home with Rev. Don Long officiating.

Burial will be held Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at O’Fallon City Cemetery, O’Fallon, IL. with full military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.