Richard ‘Rich’ West, 64 passed away Monday July 31, 2023.
Rich was born February 18, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa to Ralph and Mary Lou (Gerlach) West.
He graduated from East High School in 1977. He went on to work at Archer, Stitzell Electric, Iowa Department for The Blind and retired from The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 2022.
Rich was born and raised on Des Moines' Eastside. He was a loyal and true Eastsider. Lee Township Against the World – For the Service of Humanity.
Rich was an avid NASCAR and sprint car fan. He was also a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed bonfires, playing pool, baseball games, holiday get-togethers and most of all spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deb; two daughters, Allison (Ben) McCarty and Emily West; son, Nicholas (Molly) West, step-son Christopher (Amy) Baily; granddaughters, Amelia McCarty, Eloise McCarty, Ada West; grandsons, Alister Bailey, Edgar Bailey and Tyler West; two sisters, Jeanne Dahm and Mary West; sister-in-law, Lynette (Dave) Boyer; mother-in-law, Ella Dirksen; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gary West; two sisters, Joslyn West and Becky Senecaut; father-in-law, Don Dirksen.
A celebration of life was held on Monday August 7, 2023, at 2:00pm at the East Gate Masonic Lodge, 2501 E Grand Ave, Des Moines.
The family is planning a private burial at a future date.
