On May 27, 2025, Thomas West, originally of East St. Louis, IL., passed away in Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Evansville, IN. Tom lived for the last 27 years in Rockport and became very involved in the community. Most of his community work was done through Masonic organizations. He was a member and past Worshipful Master of Eureka Lodge 397. He was a member of the Evansville York Rite and a member of the York Rite College of Evansville. He was a member of the Yeomen of York and was honored to be made a member of the Red Cross of Constantine. He was awarded the Order of the Purple Cross in 2024 for service to the York Rite College. In these organizations, he made many good friends and found many ways to be of service to the community.
Tom worked most of his life in construction. For more than 30 years, he was a Safety Manager in heavy industrial construction. His work took him all over the United States and most of the Western Hemisphere. His proudest professional accomplishment was the distinction of watching over thousands of workers and never having a single fatality. He rarely even had minor accidents. He often talked of the satisfaction of sending workers home to their families at night after a long day’s work, tired but happy and whole.
The greatest joy and source of pride in Tom’s life was his family. He is survived by his wife of over 46 years, Joyce West, his brother Bill West, and his two sons, Thomas West, III and Nicholas West. He spoke often of how blessed he felt to be father to two such fine men. Even though his sons live in Texas and California, both cherished their father and talked with him often staying active in his life. Tom was also blessed with three wonderful grandchildren, Caitlynn, Joseph, and Annabeth, who dearly loved their grandfather and made him a convert to grandparent texting.
He will be sorely missed.
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