Jackie Dean West was born on October 23, 1946 in Herrin to Dean West and Vada Newton. Jack’s father, Dean West, served as Williamson County Sheriff from 1958-1962.
He was a graduate of Marion High School in the class of 1965 along with his sister, Judy, and was on the MHS football team all four years.
Jack was in the United States Navy and served two tours in Vietnam and was a lifetime member of the Marion VFW.
He married Debbie Travelstead in 1990.
Jack worked for the Marion Police Department for 29 years and retired as a Sgt. He took great pride in his work and was well thought of by his colleagues.
In 2007 Jack started working for the Williamson County Sheriff’s office as courtroom security where he made many friends; including special friends Jack & Delores Leeper and G. David & Lessie Green.
Jack passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors included his wife, Debbie West; son, Jerry West and wife Melissa; grandchildren, Rebecca West, Katelyn West, Shelby Crites, Steven D. West and Stephanie West; father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Barbara Travelstead; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Joy Travelstead; three nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Vada West; son, Brian West and sister, Judy Gordon.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 11am at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Kenny Blumenstock officiating. Military rites were performed by the American Legion and VFW Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
(Obituary extracted from Blue Funeral Home)