Donald Preston West

Donald Preston West, 89, of Hyde Park, Utah, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at Logan Nursing Center. He was born Dec. 20, 1922 in Smithfield, Utah, the third child of Preston and Genevieve Mecham West. He attended schools in Smithfield and Richmond. He entered the Army Air Corps in 1943 and was honorably discharged after the war. He was married to Dorothy Dinger and they had three children: Terry, Sherry, and Kim. They were later divorced. He drove an ambulance and taxicab in Ogden for three years.
Donald moved his family to California for radio school and eventually his career path led to Xerox Corp., where he worked for 27 years as a mechanical/electrical engineer. He trained on the job and helped develop the ion engine and many other products. While in California, he met and married Jacqueline Anna Manning. Later they moved to Dallas, Texas when Xerox opened a branch there. Jackie passed away in 1985.
While visiting his mother in Smithfield, he met the lady next door, Leola May Perkins Elwood, whom he affectionately called Le'. They were married Aug. 12, 1988 and he was included in the lives of her six children and their families. Eventually they made their way back to Cache Valley.
Don was very intelligent, dignified, and extremely organized—which helped him write many family histories, including his own. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several clerk callings. He enjoyed playing chess and humor—especially a play on words. He suffered through much pain in his later years but kept very active in spite of it.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Leola Le' West; brother, Doyle West; son, Terry West; daughters Sherry Barnes and Kim West; Le's children: Marni Kaplan, James Elwood, Wayne Elwood, Ellen Harris, Mary Babcock, and Allan Elwood; 27 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 at 12:00 noon. Viewing precedes at 10:30 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3rd Ward chapel in Hyde Park, Utah, at 44 West 200 South. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Primary Children's Hospital. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jeffrey Huffman and all medical and, Homecare/Hospice caregivers who assisted in any way.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on line at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com