Barbourville, Ky. – Gerald Keith West, 82, of Artemus, passed away with his children holding his hands, on November 6, 2024. Gerald always said, “If Trump won the presidency again, that he would fall over dead.” He kept his promise. Gerald was a staunch liberal democrat, all the way to the grave. Shortly after Kamala gave her concession speech, he drew his last breath.
Gerald was united in marriage to Darlene (Dolly) Jordan on Oct 31, 1965. Dolly preceeded him in death in Febuary of this same year. In addition to his wife Dolly, he was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Campbell West and Howard West, Step Mother Nell West, and Great Granddaughter Elleigh Mai Spring.
Gerald leaves behind one daughter, Amy Deacon and husband Tharon, of Murfeesboro, TN and one son Darren K West and wife Lisa, of Artemus, KY, Grandchildren, Jenna Elizabeth Mary Spring (Hunter), Carrie Joanne Smith, Nick Keith West, Carter Campbell West, Matthew Tharon Daugh Deacon, Justin Deacon (Kayla), Cameron Deacon (Kara), McKinley Smith and Waylon Smith, Great-Grandchildren, Ethan Cole Spring and Viviann Claire Smith, Ashton Deacon and Braxton Deacon. Two special cousins (whom he loved like brothers), Charles Miracle (Janet) and Kenneth Campbell, both of Barbourville, Ky, along with a host of other dear loved ones, are left to mourn his passing.
Gerald was the Postmaster of the Artemus Post Office, Judge Executive for Knox County, a Knox County School Board Member, an Artemus Fire Department Board Member, a KCEOC Board Member and a Cumberland River Comprehensive Care Board Member – these commitments were just a few of Gerald’s contributions to the community. Gerald was also a Master Mason of over 50 years, and a member of the Mountian Lodge as well as a member of the KY Army National Guard.
Gerald was known by many titles, Postmaster, Judge, and Red Wrinkle, but his most treasured title was that of “Pappy”. This is the title he wore with the greatest honor.
Services for Mr. West will be handled by Hopper Funeral Home and will be private, to honor his final wishes. Bro. Dustin Lawson will officiate.
In leu of flowers, and since Gerald was a supporter of giving children “real families” through Adoption, donations can be made in his name to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. November is National Adoption Awareness Month and Gerald fervently believed in this cause.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, along with our staff: Robin Reese, Lorena Blankenship, Reid Brewer, and Brenda Johnson express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Keith West.
Hopper Funeral Home, established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Gerald Keith West.
