William Jerry West July 6, 1942 to June 25, 2020
William Jerry West, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away at his home on June 25, 2020, at the age of 77. He was born on July 6, 1942, in Lancaster, Missouri to Helen Marie (Current) and William Timothy West. Jerry attended school in Lancaster, Missouri, and graduated in 1960. After graduation, he was sworn into the United States Army in September 1961. He met Christa Egger, while in the army, and they married in May 1964. To this union, they were blessed with three beautiful children Joanna, Tony, and Jenise.
After his military service, Jerry made his home in Lancaster, Missouri. He dedicated 47 years to the printing and the public relations field. He began his career with the Lancaster Excelsior and retired from Modern Litho/Brown Printing, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Jerry found enjoyment after retirement, working as a courtesy driver for Riley Chevrolet. He never met a stranger. Jerry found friends everywhere he went.
In January 1981, Jerry married Elaine Besgrove. From that marriage, he gained four additional children Randy, Greg, Dana, and Mary. Jerry and Elaine moved to Jefferson City in 1985.
Jerry loved dirt track racing; his passion and dedication to the sport was indescribable. He first began writing for Capital Speedway in 1991. Jerry then went to Hawkeye Racing and started writing his column, Trackside Comments. Until his death, he wrote a weekly racing report for Racinboys. Jerry was Master Mason of Glenwood Masonic Lodge #427 for 52 years and the Moila Shriner, Legion of Honor. He was a member of the Jefferson City First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Randy Besgrove and Tony West. Surviving are his wife, Elaine; his brother, Ed and Pam West; Wayne and Carolyn Palmer, brother and sister in-law; and five children Joanna and Patrick Tallman, Tracey and Ryan White, Jenise and Rob Soyster, Mary Besgrove, Dana and George Wilkins, Greg Besgrove, Mary and Rick Lewey. Grandchildren Patricia and Chad Giannetti, Tristan and Micah Battin, Shayna Tallman and Jake Groseclose, Makayla Tallman, Lindsay West, Taylor West, Brenden Soyster, Hailey Soyster, Kyle and Laura Besgrove, Corey and Jenny Besgrove, Cody and Maddie Besgrove, Joe Baker, Alyssa Besgrove, Krista Besgrove, Mackenzie and Tyler Lewis, Madison Wilkins, Zeffery Lewey and Alex Amato, and Rikayla and Steven Neale; and eighteen great grandchildren. Also, two nephews, Justin and Susan West and Jason West, John and Lori Palmer, Jim and Susan Palmer, and Joe Palmer.
A celebration of Jerry’s life with full military honors will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2020 at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri, with Rev. Beau Underwood, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care or First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Jefferson City.
Arrangements are under the direction of Houser-Millard Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com
