MINNEOLA - Jon Alan West, 71, passed away July 30, 2016, at Minneola District Hospital after a short illness. Family and friends were faithfully by his side during recent days. Jon was born November 9, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is the son of Wayne and Catherine Laura Bishard Clarkson. The family moved from Weatherford, Oklahoma to Minneola, Kansas in December 1954. In 1965 Jon graduated from Minneola High School where he was active in sports and avidly enjoyed jalopy stock car racing. He married his high school sweetheart, Louise Ann Byerley, at her parents' home east of Minneola. Jon and Louise celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary on March 4. They were richly blessed with one daughter, Vickie "Vic" Ann. The family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Jon attended night school and was employed by Beech Aircraft where he received many certificates on work simplifications. Following additional work-related moves, the family returned to Minneola in January 1971. Jon worked for Minneola and Bloom Co-ops for over 30 years. In addition he served as the Bloom Volunteer Fire Department Captain.

It was in the quiet peaceful solitude of the wheat fields that as a young man Jon began working for several area farmers. Upon retiring from the Co-op, he returned to his love of nature and now to his own farm land. Jon was a strong-willed, determined man who got things done and got them done right. He worked diligently in the field and was excited about change and new opportunities as a farmer. Jon saw when something needed to be taken care of and he did it without complaining. Jon was also a man with a very kind heart, gentle personality and a listening ear. When he spoke, people listened, especially for his matter-of-fact, dry sense of humor with a bit of orneriness included. Jon had a laugh that made us smile! His easy-going personality helped guests to feel very welcome in the family home. He loved all of his dogs, especially Blondie, as well as the squirrels and birds in his backyard. Jon would sit at his back door and enjoy watching nature and the animals come by and play. Because he loved to be outside in nature, he frequently enjoyed pheasant hunting with his daughter Vic.

As a family, they enjoyed many "scenic route" vacations and in recent years played slots at more local casinos. When there was a storm coming, Jon would get into his car and head out of town. Perhaps that was his way of protecting his prized Chevy Corvette and later his Camero. If asked, Jon would probably say that he would not change his life a bit. Jon would humbly say: Nothing profound, I just sat around. In my comfy sweats/lounge pants, I played crossword puzzles, watched NASCAR races, played pool in the basement, was weekend breakfast chef, and ate lots of bacon, Lays potato chips, pie and ice cream. Jon was thankful for the opportunity to live, work, care for his family and participate in the community. He will be dearly missed.

Jon Is survived by his wife, Louise, of the home; daughter, Vickie and husband Dennis Glaze of Skiatook, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Dustin and wife Kristen Glaze and highly anticipated great granddaughter of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dianna and husband Dr. Romel Baroi of Edmond, Oklahoma; and sister, Judy and husband Larry Bartholomew of Price, Utah. Interment was at the Minneola Cemetery where a private family graveside service was held on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Memorials may be made to Clark County Ambulance Fund in care of Minnis Mortuary, 123 Main Street, P.O. Box 459, Minneola, Kansas 67865. Condolences may be sent to www.minnismortuary.net