Arthur Joseph “AJ” West, 84, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Born on January 26, 1942, in Scott City, Kansas, his life was marked by deep family connections and a passion for travel, which included trips to Laughlin, Nevada, with his sons and their families. A memorial service celebrating his life is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Hunt Chapel in Rogers, Arkansas.
Mr. West is survived by his wife, Susie West. Their relationship, marked by love, commitment, and devotion, spanned more than 64 years of marriage. They met in California, where they made their home and raised their four children. His family was central to his life, identified as his greatest pride and joy. He valued time spent with his children and grandchildren, particularly moments filled with laughter, playful teasing, and creating lasting memories. He aimed to keep his family close, promoting harmony and opportunities for everyone to gather.
His dedication to family extended to organizing numerous memorable vacations and gatherings. These trips took loved ones to destinations such as Maui, Hawaii; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Lane Guest Ranch in Colorado; Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri; and New Smyrna Beach and the Marco and Captiva Islands in Florida. A family reunion cruise also brought relatives together for a unique experience. Beyond family gatherings, he also embarked on travels with his close friends, Richard and Linda Lorenz, exploring Italy, France, and Hawaii twice. These adventures highlighted his love of exploration and, primarily, his desire to spend meaningful time with those he cared for.
Mr. West began his career as a steamfitter in 1962 and retired after 30 years of work. He maintained his affiliation as a member of Union Local 250 for 64 years.
He had a lifelong passion for sports, particularly football and basketball. He was a four-year starter on the Scott City High School basketball team and played a role in leading the school to its first state championship in 1958. His pride in his hometown, his school, and the sport of basketball remained a significant aspect of his life. A devoted Catholic, he found strength, comfort, and guidance in his faith throughout his life. Attending Mass was an important practice for him, and he prioritized it wherever his travels took him.
Mr. West is survived by his wife, Susie West, and their four children: daughter Andrea Whorton and her husband, Toma, of Springdale, Arkansas, along with granddaughters Shayle, Mia, and Tylie; son Todd West of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, with his children Derek and Alexa; son Terry West and his wife, Liz, of El Segundo, California; and son Jim West and his wife, Lauren, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, with granddaughter Daven. He is also survived by granddaughters Jenna Nealy and her husband, Chad, of Grand Prairie, Texas; Lacie Van Every and her husband, Rick, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Chelsea Wilson and her husband, Jay, of Dallas, Texas; and Sydnie Rogers and her husband, Jake, of Camden, Arkansas. He leaves behind six great-grandchildren.
The oldest of 19 children, Mr. West is survived by three brothers: David L. West of Vancouver, Washington; Louis P. West of Garden City, Kansas; and Terry J. West and his wife, Beverly, of Shallow Water, Kansas. Eight sisters also survive him: Elizabeth J. Bradley of Wichita, Kansas; Martha Jonagan and her husband, Dale, of Ingalls, Kansas; Dorotha A. Reynolds of Dodge City, Kansas; Ruth J. West of Bakersfield, California; Kathryn L. Church and her husband, Gary, of Kansas City, Kansas; Rebecca S. Morton and her husband, Stan, of Netawaka, Kansas; Barbara Betzold and her husband, Morris, of Hutchinson, Kansas; and Virginia L. Leonard of Edmond, Oklahoma.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers—Jack West, Mike West, Gene West, and Pat West—and three sisters—Margaret J. Ellison, Mary Wassinger, and Carolyn Hinojosa. Mr. West will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his lasting love for Susie, his devotion to his family, his enthusiasm for sports, and the happiness he brought to those around him. Memorial donations are requested to be made to the Cancer Society, the Scott City High School basketball team, or the Circle of Life Foundation.