Robert West

Robert A. West age 86 of Wood River, NE formerly of York, NE died Monday, February 26, 2007 at Wood River. He was born February 27, 1920 at Wauneta, NE to Samuel E. and Leona L. (Churchill) West and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1939. As a young man he and his brother Gail owned and operated a “filling” station in Wauneta for several years together. He later worked as a Nebraska Drivers License Examiner and Nebraska State Auditor retiring from the state in 1975. He then worked for the Gambles store in York for 10 years before retiring there in 1985. In addition Bob continued to help the family farm until it was sold in 1969 and bought a home in York and continued to reside there until 2002 when Bob required special care. He spent his last months as a resident of the Western Hall County Good Samaritan Home in Wood River, NE. Bob enjoyed farming first and liked to do some fishing. In later years he continued to go to Imperial to help family with harvest. He enjoyed tending his yard, collecting, playing with his grandchildren and keeping the family history up to date. Bob was a member of the East Avenue United Methodist Church in York and the Odd Fellows Lodge #210 at Wauneta. On April 11, 1968 he was married to Elna Rae Kitt at Imperial, NE.

He is survived by his wife Elna Rae of Imperial, Four step children; Lloyd Smith of Imperial, NE, Marla Smith also of Imperial, Merle Konken of Hershey, NE and Maxine Smith of Casper, WY. Two brothers, Gail and his wife Nona West of Lincoln and Sam E. and his wife Cindy of Alda, NE. Two sisters, Bonnie Winkelman of Utica and Wanda and her husband Milton Winkelman of Seward. Six grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Carl and Sam A. West.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 2, 2007 at the Metz Chapel in York with the Reverend Walter Bailey officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in York. Memorials may be directed to the Greenwood Cemetery Improvement Fund.