Louis Robert West

Louis Robert West, 79, passed away suddenly at his home near Dayton, Wyo., on August 30, 2019.

Lou was born March 11, 1940, to Robert Wayne and Mary Lou (née Napier) West in Denver, Colo. He and his family moved from Moorcroft, Wyo., to Dayton in 1947, establishing West Grocery and Sport Store. In addition to Dayton School, Lou attended St. John's Military School in Salina, Kan., for junior high school and Kemper Military School in Boonville, Mo., where he graduated in 1958.

After a year of college at the University of Wyoming, Lou moved to Hawaii followed by Alaska and later to San Mateo, Calif. There, he reconnected with former Dayton School classmate Jeanette Beavers in San Francisco where she was based as a flight attendant with TWA. After dating several months and becoming engaged, they both wanted to return to Wyoming. Lou secured a job with Jackson Hole Ski Corporation. A month later, Jeanette returned to her home in Powell where they were married at St. Barbara's Church on September 3, 1966.

Following a year in Jackson, they decided to return to Laramie where Lou finished his degree in secondary education. Mr. West taught high school in Midwest for four years before moving to Thermopolis to teach World History, Anthropology, Psychology and Economics for 23 years.

Lou was a voracious reader. Big game, waterfowl, and upland bird hunting were his passion along with fly fishing and following Wyoming Cowboy Athletics. He was a member of St. Edmund Catholic Church, Ranchester, a veteran of the United States Air Force, an ardent pro-life supporter and a committed defender of the United States Constitution.

Lou is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanette; sons, Mark of Arlington, Mass., and Matthew of Denver; and daughter, Michele, of Denver.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A vigil was held at Kane Funeral Home with Father Carl Beavers officiating. Funeral Mass was at Holy Name Catholic Church. Internment services were at Dayton Cemetery. A reception followed at Dayton Community Hall.

Memorials in Lou's memory may benefit Holy Name School, c/o 121 S. Connor, Sheridan, WY 82801, or Dayton Fire and Rescue or Dayton School Benefit Club.

Online condolences may be written at http://www.kanefuneral.com.