Don Corlis West

Don C. West, 93, a resident of the Forest Grove community, died Monday, February 13, 2017 at the Jennings McCall Living Facility in Forest Grove. He was born on July 18, 1923 in Anna, Illinois, the son of the late Corlis & Ferbia (Waller) West. He was raised and received his education in the Anna community, having been a graduate with the Anna High School Class of 1941. Upon his graduation, he attended Carthage College for 2 years. He enlisted in the army June of 1943 and served for one enlistment until his Honorable Discharge January 10, 1946 at the rank of Private First Class. Don was united in marriage to Jean Ellen Wahl on July 24, 1946 in Anna, Illinois. Following their marriage they made their home in Anna until 1958, when they moved to the Forest Grove community, where he has resided since. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean in September of 1998 after celebrating over 52 years of marriage together. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Colis & Ferbia West. Don worked as an Optometry Professor at Pacific University in Forest Grove for over 30 years. He was an Optometrist for over 50 years. He was a member of the American Legion Washington Post #2 in Forest Grove, the Forest Grove Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #2440 and the VFW. Among his special interests, Don enjoyed traveling the world with Jean. Survivors include his son, Roger West of Forest Grove, Oregon; his daughter, Andrea George , of Puyallup, Washington; two grandchildren and a spouse, Matthew George of Baltimore, Maryland and Erin & James Byun of San Diego, California; two brothers and sisters - in - law, Jack & Ruth West of Apple Valley, Minnesota and Lynn & Ann West of Cobden, Illinois. Private graveside service will be held at the Anna Cemetery in Anna, Illinois.