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Mr. Eugene C. West Sr., aged 96, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 17th at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Wheeling, WV. He was born in Smithfield, Ohio on June 17, 1926, the son of the late Margaret Ellen West Harris and Thomas Harris. He was a World War II veteran, having served honorably as a staff sergeant in the United States Army.
For decades he was a professional waiter and bartender, beginning his career at the prestigious Fort Henry Club in 1947. He also held positions at the McLure Hotel and Wheeling County Club, where he was head bartender. Mr. West's private clients included the socially prominent of his time. He was a distinguished and respected presence overseeing the most elegant holiday parties and events. He was a master bartender, a hospitality professional, an engaging conversationalist, and a knowledgeable history buff. Mr. West was also employed by Wheeling Housing Authority as a maintenance worker from 1977 to 1987.
In addition to his parents, Mr. West is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 70 years, Phyllis; a brother, Virgil; sisters Ruth and June; sons Eugene ("Chip") and Damon; son-in-law, Joseph Evans; grandchildren, Shawn Evans and Ellicia Saunders.
Surviving is his son Keith of Wheeling; daughter Cynthia (Evans) of Adelphia, MD; daughter Ellen Saunders (Gene) of Moundsville, WV; grandsons Mike (Laurie) of Charleston, WV, Eugene Saunders Jr. of Colonial Heights, VA, Evan of Jacksonsville FL, Eric and Neal West of Wheeling, and Jeremy Jones of Winston- Salem, NC; and a grandaughter, Tiffany McGee (Carl) of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by fourteen great – grand- children, nine great- great-grandchildren, four nephews, and two nieces.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Nurse Edye and the entire staff and administration of Good Shepherd Nursing Home for their warm and compassionate care of Mr. West.
Services will be held at on Saturday, March 25th at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 14th and Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV. Visitation will begin at noon, with a 1 p.m. service, Reverend Yvette Taylor of Wayman AME Church officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wayman AME Church, 1136 Eoff Street in Wheeling.
Mr. West's arrangements are under the care of Altmeyer Funerals. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.altmeyerfuneral homes.com.