Wilburn “Walt” West

 

Wilburn “Walt” West, 102, of Pampa, TX, died Thursday, February 9, 2023.

Wilburn "Walt" West
Wilburn “Walt” West

Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Fairview Cemetery in Pampa, TX with Military rites by VFW Post 1657. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo.

Walt, a World War II (Army) veteran, and the eldest of 15 children was born May 17, 1920, in Clarksville, AR to Charley Hoyt West and Ina Esther Reeves West. In 1928, the family moved to the Delhi flats southwest of Erick, OK to farm. While attending school at Delhi, the love for cars was born. The students of Delhi School marveled over the constant flow of automobiles that passed by the front of the school as travelers made their way down historic Highway 66.

Being the eldest, Walt joined the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1937. Money was sent home to help support a growing family. Twenty-eight months passed with the C.C.C. at Clinton, OK until a better job closer to home was found. The Army called in June of 1942. On his last furlough, Walt married his sweetheart Willie Lamm in August of 1943 before being shipped overseas to serve with the 318th Field Artillery Headquarters Battalion attached to the 81st Infantry Division. Reaching the rank of sergeant technician, Walt’s duties were as head mechanic and 50 caliber machine gunner. The next two years were spent in the Pacific combat zone. Action was seen on the islands of Angaur and Peleliu in 1944. The National Museum of the Marine Corp calls the battle for the island of Peleliu “the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines.” Walt also saw duty on the island of Leyte and the spearhead Division for occupied Japan.

Willie worked in a munition factory in Kansas until Walt was discharged in time to return home for Christmas in 1945. Both joined the VFW post in Pampa in 1947 as lifetime members. Pampa became their lifetime home with a move from Shamrock in the fall of 1946. A job opening with Cabot Corp was obtained in July of 1947 and provided employment for the next 38 years. With retirement came time to pursue an interest in the Red River Indian Wars (1872-1876). Twelve years were spent working with County Commissioner Gerald Wright documenting the involvement of the sixth Calvary and others. Artifacts from the Calvary collected during this time are on display at the White Deer Land Museum.

An avid gardener, countless pounds of vegetables are given to family, friends, and those in need each summer. With 102 years of life adventures behind him, he could always be found in his garden or under the hood of one of his antique cars.

Walt is survived by his four children, Bill West and wife Mary of Pampa, TX, Harry West and wife Nicki of Canyon, TX, Linda West of Pampa, TX, and Carolyn Zilmer of Amarillo, TX; sister, Mary Lister of CA; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren with 1 on the way.

 

7 Replies to “Wilburn “Walt” West”

  1. I met Walt in 1982 in Pampa. He was a knowledgeable man, eager to share his research on McClellan and the Indian Wars. He and Gerald scoured the battlefields, metal detector in hand. Walt found many artifacts, often in obscure places not included in Texas History narrative. Painstaking in his approach, he showed me on detailed maps, proving again many skirmishes were miles from the historical archives. Walt’s love of cars was probably his passion. He was an interesting, knowledgeable, character. A true Texas rebel.

  2. I just stumbled on the YouTube video today and later googled his name to get here
    I lived in Pampa in 1990 and rented from an elderly man Aubrey Jones who might well have known him. Thanks for sharing this great video.

  3. I remember the chest freezer full of goodies in Uncle Walt and Aunt Willie’s kitchen and Uncle Walt always “insisting” we help ourselves to its contents. Later on I remember him all dapper in his blazer and tie, always asking how Dad was doing whenever I saw him, even into his nineties. I loved all my larger-than-life aunts and uncles, so many wonderful memories.

  4. I spent so much of my childhood at Uncle Walt’s house! Lots of sleepovers with my cousins Linda and Carolyn. These are some of my sweetest memories. I will never forget how I got to ride in the rumble seat in one of his antique cars. Uncle Walt and Aunt Willie spoiled me like on of their own–And Walt was so good to put up with our tween shenanigans! He was and always will be the elder icon of the West clan.

  5. I got to know Walt as I delivered Meals on Wheels. What a truly remarkable guy! Always cheerful and grateful. Many times I would deliver his Meal last so I would have time to talk. Walt loved to talk! He loved history, cars, and his family. Walt your life was an inspiration to us all!

  6. Uncle Walt could tell a story better than anyone I ever heard. Childhood memories of our families vacationing in Colorado are among my favorite childhood memories. He and Aunt Willie were kind and caring. My love to Bill, Harry, Linda, And Carolyn and their families.

  7. I worked with Walt at the Cabot Schafer carbon black plant at Skellytown. He would tell me some stories about serving in military. I saw him at our car show last June and was amazed at his memory telling stories from the 60s about things that happened at Cabot that I remembered, it was unbelievable that he could recall so much. Rest In Peace Walt.

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