Leo Daniel West

Deacon Leo Daniel West was born on Aug. 18, 1939 in Leon County to Henry and Beatie (Hughes) West. He received his education first, in the Hopewell Community and later, from the Douglas High School. Afterwards, he worked for the Highway Deptartment for many years. Daniel took pride in his job building bridges and driving a water truck, for which he was given the nickname, Waterboy. Daniel and his sons formed a construction company called West & Sons Construction, where he worked as a carpenter until retiring due to medical reasons. He constructed many buildings, one of which includes Evans Chapel Church and many others. During the summer, he hauled hay for many people, which he really enjoyed.


On Nov. 3, 1962 Daniel met his bride, Bettie Proctor, his high school sweetheart. They united in holy matrimony, and to this union three lovely children were born: Steve, Jennifer and Melvin. Daniel was devoted to his Bettie for 53 years and 10 months. He loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Several years ago, one of his favorite afternoon activities was playing basketball against his sons and all the neighborhood kids. Another one of his cherished pastimes was being outdoors riding on his tractor or his lawn mower and caring for his cattle and farm. He also enjoyed sitting on the porch shooting the breeze with Bro. Arthur Dunbar.


Even though Deacon Daniel was affected by illness, he never lost his faithfulness to God nor his willingness to serve Him. He was baptized at an early age at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. Daniel was a faithful member until his health begin to fail him.


In the early morning of Aug. 22, 2016, after an extended illness, an angel was dispatched to Crockett, Texas to escort this servant, Daniel, to a place of rest. After hearing the voice of his wife, he peacefully slept away. His passing brought sadness to the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Daniel is proceeded in death by his mother, Beatie West; and his father, Henry West; one son, Steve West; one grandson, Steven West; two brothers, Jacob and Roosevelt West; and three sisters, Carrie Baker, Faye Randolph and Laura Crowe.


Deacon Leo Daniel leaves to cherish his memories: his lovely devoted wife, Bettie West; one daughter, Jennifer (Eddie) Stafford; one son, Melvin (Erica) West, all of Centerville, Texas; eight grandchildren, Alicia West, Jasmine West, Shakila Williams, Brandon Madison, Bridgett Madison, Brittany West, Shania West and Nylaa West; one great grandson, Levion Gamble; special ex-daughter-in-law, Mary Mathews; two sisters, Dorothy (Oland) Hopkins of Centerville, Texas, and Velma Jones of Houston, Texas; three brothers, Earnest (Barbara) West, Clemon (Ella) West, and Willie (Mary) West, all of Houston, Texas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Faye Nola West of Centerville, Texas, Ella King and Willie Proctor of Dallas, Texas, Tom Crowe of Houston, Texas and R. V. (Thelma) Proctor of Ferris, Texas, and Clemis Pace of Dallas, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Homegoing services for Deacon Leo Daniel West will be held at 1 P.M., Saturday, August 27, 2016 at the Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas. Burial will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery, east of Centerville in the Hopewell Community. A visitation will be held from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Friday, August 26th at the funeral home.

Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas is entrusted with all arrangements.