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Harold Dewayne West, age 79, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021. He was born on September 3, 1941, in Drew County, Arkansas to the late Bud and Jessie Warren West.
Harold received his early education at Drew Central Schools. There he was a member of several clubs. In 1958, he attended Boys State, an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Harold was an All-Star basketball player in 1959. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and completed his B.S.E. at University of Arkansas at Monticello.
He had an interesting and diverse career: working for the Soil Conservation Service, Burlington Industries, construction, and Life and Casualty of Tennessee. In 1969, he was a leading agent for Land C Insurance. Mr. West taught a decade at Drew Central School and drove a school bus most of those years. He was retired from the Arkansas National Guard. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Monticello.
Mr. West was a Drew County Judge for two terms and Mayor of Monticello for four terms. While Mayor, he served as District 4 Vice-President, first Vice- President, and then President of the Arkansas Municipal League. During that time, he was a member of the Southern Municipal League and the Transportation Infrastructure Service Committee. Lake Monticello was built during West’s tenure and named by him. He was a man with strong principles and high work ethics. He was very generous and loved helping people.
During his career, he received many honors. The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police named him Mayor of the Year in 1999. He was admitted to the Drew Central Hall of Fame for outstanding citizenship and exemplary graduate in 2010. He was given the President’s Award by the Arkansas Department of Human Service in 2002. He was honored by the Willowe Institute one year.
Harold had many hobbies: golf, fishing, and woodwork. He became a licensed private pilot and flew family, friends, and business associates to many locations. The “Mow Man” was very particular about his Tifton Bermuda grass. Traveling was part of his retirement. Family and friends were very important to him. He will be missed by many people.
He is survived by Jan, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Janna Threlkeld (Kevin); son, Chuck West (Sandy Longhorn); granddaughters, Katie and Abby Threlkeld; and sister, Shirley Matheny (Clyde).
Visitation will be Friday, July 16, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Funeral Services will be Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Monticello, Arkansas, with Military Honors.
Memorials my be given to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello or The Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Harold received his early education at Drew Central Schools. There he was a member of several clubs. In 1958, he attended Boys State, an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Harold was an All-Star basketball player in 1959. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and completed his B.S.E. at University of Arkansas at Monticello.
He had an interesting and diverse career: working for the Soil Conservation Service, Burlington Industries, construction, and Life and Casualty of Tennessee. In 1969, he was a leading agent for Land C Insurance. Mr. West taught a decade at Drew Central School and drove a school bus most of those years. He was retired from the Arkansas National Guard. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Monticello.
Mr. West was a Drew County Judge for two terms and Mayor of Monticello for four terms. While Mayor, he served as District 4 Vice-President, first Vice- President, and then President of the Arkansas Municipal League. During that time, he was a member of the Southern Municipal League and the Transportation Infrastructure Service Committee. Lake Monticello was built during West’s tenure and named by him. He was a man with strong principles and high work ethics. He was very generous and loved helping people.
During his career, he received many honors. The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police named him Mayor of the Year in 1999. He was admitted to the Drew Central Hall of Fame for outstanding citizenship and exemplary graduate in 2010. He was given the President’s Award by the Arkansas Department of Human Service in 2002. He was honored by the Willowe Institute one year.
Harold had many hobbies: golf, fishing, and woodwork. He became a licensed private pilot and flew family, friends, and business associates to many locations. The “Mow Man” was very particular about his Tifton Bermuda grass. Traveling was part of his retirement. Family and friends were very important to him. He will be missed by many people.
He is survived by Jan, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Janna Threlkeld (Kevin); son, Chuck West (Sandy Longhorn); granddaughters, Katie and Abby Threlkeld; and sister, Shirley Matheny (Clyde).
Visitation will be Friday, July 16, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Funeral Services will be Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Monticello, Arkansas, with Military Honors.
Memorials my be given to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello or The Arkansas Children’s Hospital.