Robert Dale West
August 7, 1953 ~ October 12, 2009
Robert Dale West, 56, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, October 12, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Services:1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2009, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Beverly Thompson-Travis. Visitation: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Military honors by American Legion Post #727. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Shawn, two sons, Joshua A. West and Cody A. West; mother and step-father, Ruby (Charles) Keithley; brothers, James E. (Jane) West and David M. West; sisters, Leona P. (Jim) Meyer and Marla J. (Keith) Stanley, mother-in-law, Ruth McClure Bennett; brothers-in-law, Ron M. Bennett Jr., Mark R. (Janet) Bennett, Dale P. Bennett, and Jeffery E. (Stacey) Bennett; sister-in-law, Kelley R. McNeese; his dogs, Buddy and Tripper; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John E. West; brother, John T. West; and a sister, C. Kay Otterbeck. Bob was born August 7, 1953, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of John E. and Ruby West. He served in the US Army from 1970-76, and was proud of his service in Vietnam. While stationed in Hawaii, he met his loving wife, Shawn. They were married on March 5, 1976. His mother-in-law would always tell people how Shawn went all the way to Hawaii to meet someone from Cedar Rapids to marry. He was employed by the State of Iowa for the last 29 years, first in the Department for Transportation and then as a Weights and Measures Inspector for the Iowa Department of Agriculture. He was a man who took great pride in his work. Bob was also a master craftsman and enjoyed all types of projects including the 'Taj Mahal' dog house for Dale's German shepherds after the flood. He was an excellent chef, and he loved watching cooking shows and trying out new recipes. He will long be remembered for his famous lasagna, salads and cabbage rolls, and the way he made them special. Family was everything to him, especially his sons. Bob was a great man who could talk to anybody about anything. He was greatly beloved and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
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Shawn, Josh & Cody: I was deeply saddened to hear that Bob passed away. You guys were always SO good to us. We were strangers in a strange land, and The West Family went out of their way to make us feel welcome and at home. Bob will forever be a part of some of our best memories of Cedar Rapids.
My sympathy and prayer go out to Shawn, Joshua, Cody and extended family. I worked with Bob as Bureau Chief of W&M for a couple years. Bob was a good man and very knowledgable of scales and inspection.
May God grant you His peace at this difficult time for you.
Steve Pedersen
Shawn, Josh and Cody, I am terribly sorry to hear the news of Bob and your Dad’s passing. I will always remember how he could make everyone laugh with his dirty jokes and sense of humor. I will be thinking of you…
Lynae
Bob you will be greatly missed. Your friends a Cortez Truck Equipment.
Dear Shawn and family,
We were shocked to hear of Bob’s death. We extend our deepest sympathies to you at this difficult time.
I will fondly remember those times when Bob would come to have lunch with you at the bank, Shawn, and the two of you would ask me to join you. His love for you was so apparent. Treasure those memories as a source of strength.
Relish the good memories, but do not wallow in the painful ones. That is how Bob would want it. Much love from afar, Ben
Shawn, Josh & Cody,
I have many fond memories of Bob…he was always kind and had a great sense of humor. The world will miss this gentle giant…so sorry for your loss. Take care – Michele, Chase & Chandler
Shawn, Josh, Cody,
What a guy Bob was!! Always so sweet and welcoming everytime I saw him. I truly hope it is comfort to you to know how much he adored you all.
Much love,
Lisa(Bennett)Lyman
My thoughts are with You and Your family. If not for the kindness and support of Bob and his family, I wouldn’t be here today. Thank you. I’ll miss you.
Shawn, Wow, we are truly sorry for your loss. Bob will be missed so much by us. We have worked so many years with him with scales plus he became a very close friend. Take care and your enitire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so lucky to have been able to hang out with Bob and everyone this summer at the picnic. Bob was a sweet and wonderful guy who always took the time to make everyone feel right at home. Our love and prayers to him and his wonderful family.
Love you Uncle Bob! Will miss you
It was always a pleasure to visit with Bob at the bowling alley. He was so young. What a surprise. Thinking about you all during this time.
I would like to let you know that Bob was one of my favorite customers at the NE Post Office. He always brought a smile to my face and was a really neat guy. I enjoyed his conversation and humor. My deepest sympathy to your family. He will be missed!
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We didn’t hear until we came to bowling last night. You are in our prayers. God doesn’t give you the people you want, he gives you the people you NEED! To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to LOVE you and to make you into the person you were meant to be. May you always be lifted by you love for him.
Here’s to the Chef of the Day….to the many meals we shared and discussed the use of Garlic (:)!! and to the progress of the Taj Mahal’s finish. Keep the lasagna cabbage rolls going….as we drool remembering them. I’ll still tell everyone how you really didn’t know where you were at or where you lived while in service……and met Shawn.. Thanks to Bud & Liz…..You’ll be missed..but I’ll still be thinking of ways to “get” you…Your favorite Mother-in-Law…Ruth