Charles Edward West

May 7, 1921 — Oct. 30, 2008

GRAND JUNCTION — Charles “Ed” West died at the Grand Junction Veteran’s Hospital TCU from complications of spinal stenosis. He was 87. Ed and his family and friends were very grateful for the outstanding care, support, concern, and love rendered by the terrific staff, nurses, and doctors at the GJVA over the past almost four years. 

Services will be at the GJVA Hospital Chapel at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 10 with graveside services at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado (2830 D Rd.) at 1 p.m. on the same day. 

Mr. West was a true American hero. Throughout his life, Ed gave unconditional love and steadfast service to his country, family, and countless friends. Ed was a fourth-generation Californian, born in the farming community of College City on May 7, 1921. During the Depression his father repaired farm equipment while Ed and his younger sister, Mariel, moved to several different towns with his mother, a primary school teacher. Upon graduation from Sacramento’s C.K. McClatchy High School in 1939, Ed joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was stationed in California and Utah prior to his deployment to the Philippine Islands in 1941.  After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Cpl West and his entire unit were captured by the Japanese on Ed’s 21st birthday.  For three-and-a-half years he and his fellow prisoners of war were forced to labor in Philippine rice fields and Japanese steel mills while being starved and abused. Corporal West was a healthy 6’2” man when captured, but was a mere 106 pounds and near death when President Truman, one of his heroes, ordered the atomic bombs to be dropped which ended WWII. During the terrible years of prison camp and his horrific two month transport to Japan in the sordid hold of a ship, Ed’s unique perseverance and dependence on God helped him survive his ordeal. 

Following his repatriation, Ed went back to civilian life in Sacramento, Calif., married Phebe Ann Killick in 1946, and fathered two children: Susan Mariel and David Mark West. During the next 17 years he was employed as a truck driver, mechanic, service station manager, and by various city departments while also serving in the Air Force Reserve.

In 1962 Ed was called into active duty again during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  After his promotion to master sargent, Ed faithfully served his country in Ankara, Turkey (where he and his family lived off base); Washington, D.C.; Vietnam (where he turned 50); Alabama; and Colorado Springs.  Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1976, Ed and Phebe moved to Montrose, Colo. to be near their grandchildren.  Phebe, his beloved wife of 38 years, died in 1984, but he found comfort and companionship with the widow Maybelle Johansen of Montrose whom he married the following year. Maybelle preceded Ed in death in 2002. 

Ed had a real zest for life. He loved traveling, visiting with family and friends and was eager to take up new interests. After his retirement, Mr. West earned a pilot’s license, took a job at Montrose Airport, flew his own plane, and became proficient with ham radios. Ed kept up with current events, followed politics, and was an avid baseball and football fan. Ed was a member of the Montrose Elks Lodge No. 1053. American history was one of his passions, and he became well versed in the events of WWII. He also became active with WWII prisoner of war veteran groups, spoke in public about his POW experiences, and sponsored reunions in Montrose and Grand Junction. Some of his more memorable travels include a solo motorcycle trip to California; attending the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.; following the Oregon Trail and driving to Alaska twice; visiting WWII war museums in London and Duxford, UK; and trips to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Ed kept up with old friends and made new ones when he vacationed in Arizona for many winters, and with his coffee groups in Montrose and the VA canteen. An optimistic disposition kept Ed upbeat and uncomplaining even after he was confined to a wheelchair in a near quadriplegic state at the end of his life. Ed was greatly loved by his grandchildren, who treasured having time with him.  He was the sort of man who left nearly everyone feeling better after being around him. 

Mr. West is survived by his sister, Mariel Green of Santa Rosa, Calif.; his daughter, Susan and her husband Don Sharman of Montrose, and his son, Dr. David and his wife Judy West of Grand Junction. His grandchildren are Charles and his wife Monica Sharman and Joseph and his wife Aubrey Sharman of Colorado Springs; Katie Davis and her husband Christopher of Rabun Gap, Ga.; Mark West of Palo Alto; and Laura West of San Francisco. His great-grandchildren are Derek, Titus, and Byron Sharman; Michael Sharman, and Emma and Caleb Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the “VA  Hospital TCU Rec,” in memory of Ed West (GJ Veterans Hospital, 2121 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.  Arrangments are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401  (970) 249-2121.