1936-2023

Celebration of Life services for William Darrell West, 87, of Ben Wheeler, were held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Eubank Funeral Home with Bro. Jimi Heslop officiating.

Darrell, known to his family and friends as “Boss,” passed away on April 16, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Ben Wheeler on March 26, 1936, to William Riley and Earlean West. “Boss” grew up loving the outdoors, spending time with his cows, tractors, backhoe, and dump truck. He graduated from Martins Mill High School in 1953 and joined the United States Army in July of 1959, where he proudly served this country until July of 1961. He spent most of his life driving a semi-truck and farming. When he wanted to relax, “Boss” loved listening to Frank Sinatra or old country music while grilling and visiting with family and friends. His solution to everything was to “Put it on the table.” Soon, “Boss” was blessed to meet the love of his life, Ruby, who he married on Nov. 12, 1994, and shared 28 wonderful years together. During his free time, Boss was entertained by visiting casinos and cheering for his favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.

“Boss” is survived by his beautiful wife, Ruby West; children: Wendy Ruiz and husband, Robert, of Ben Wheeler; Barbara Billinger and husband, James, of Wagner, Oklahoma; Neal Derouen and wife, Holly, of Hemphill, and Clyde Derouen of Groves, Texas; grandchildren: Natalia Ruiz; Gavin Ruiz; Brinley Ruiz; Destiny Chapman; James Billinger; Jessica Billinger; Kayla Conrad; Haylee Davi, and Cesalie Johnson; great-grandchildren: Abigail Johnson and Bexley Garrett; beloved nieces, Donetta Markham and husband, Bruce; Sheila Smith and husband, Kenneth, along with numerous other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his caring parents, William and Earlean West; sisters: Lillian Thomas and husband, Royce; Juanita Phillips and husband, Billy Wayne; Lottie Fay Slaton and husband, Lester, and Florence Tompkins.

Serving as pallbearers were Tim Abercrombie, Chuck Partney, Robert Ruiz, Eugene Lomas, Doug Yoder, Bruce Markham, James VanDeman and Kenneth Smith.