Joseph George West

Joseph George West was born in Elgin, Illinois on April 16, 1928 to Joseph L. and Helen (Gould) West. He was the middle son of three boys. His early education was in South Elgin, but he graduated from Wickenburg High School in Arizona. His parents owned a ranch outside the town of Wickenburg. He often rode a horse to school. His father was part owner of an airplane, so Joe got his pilot’s license before his driver’s license. Graduating from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree, he then enlisted in the Air Force. Joe was sent to basic training in Columbus, Mississippi in the Air Force cadet program known as the Class of ‘52B. After graduation—getting his “Wings,” he married Connie Balding on April 18, 1952 and was stationed at various Air Force bases learning to fly several types of aircraft. At Luke AF Base, he was assigned to the 6147th TAC.CON GP 5th Air Force “Mosquitos”—Korea. That duty required him to fly 100 missions before returning to be stationed at Perrin AFB in Sherman, Texas. There, he received an honorable discharge with the rank of Captain. Shortly after that, he began a career at United Airlines. By then, the family had grown by three, John Burton, Katherine and Carolyn. His domicile was Denver, Colorado where Elizabeth joined the family. Joe was an avid fisherman and hunter. The family enjoyed camping, the outdoors and so moved to Boulder where Robert was born. The family later built a home in Tall Timber on Sugarloaf Mountain up Boulder Canyon. After several years, jobs and travels included living in Hawaii, California and finally retiring to a farm outside Philomath raising sheep. In 1986, Joe had a stroke which required a move into Corvallis where he and Connie have lived for 27 years. Joe was always very active in the local church, especially with the children and youth activities. His faith and family were extremely important to him. He was a member of Grant Ave Baptist Church, Airline Pilot’s Association, VFW, KWVA and Retired United Pilots Association. He was in the process of writing his autobiography titled, “God Is My Captain.” Joe was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, William and Kenneth; son Robert and 2 grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Connie of 62+ years; son John Burton (Kim) West; daughters, Katherine (Donald) Smith; Carolyn (Andrew) Hendry; and Elizabeth (David) Christofferson; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren plus several nieces and nephews. Memorials in Joe’s name may be directed to Grant Ave Baptist Church, the Mennonite Home, DAV (Disabled Vets) or a charity of choice. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday January 10th at McHenry Funeral Home in Corvallis.

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Joseph George West

April 16, 1928 - December 26, 2014