Donald G. West

Donald Gerald West passed away at his home in San Antonio in the loving presence of his family (and his guitars), on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the age of 68. Until the very end of his life Don was passionate about his guitar collection and never stopped shopping for a new Taylor guitar. Born in Kumagaya, Japan, to Elmer Grant and Sachiko (Uemura) West on March 15,1956, he spent his infancy in Japan before his family was restationed around the globe at various military bases, and eventually settled in San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from McCollum High School, Don enlisted in the US Air Force while his best friend, Andy Trimble, enrolled at Texas A&M University. An invitation to travel to Bryan-College Station with Andy’s sister, Peggy Trimble, resulted in a love match. The two were united in marriage on April 26, 1980, with Andy serving as the best man. Don and Peggy made a home for their two sons, David Warren and Brian Grant, on the southside of San Antonio, where Don spent their 44 year marriage serving local ministries and investing in the lives of young people as a parent and educator at his alma mater. He retired from Harlandale ISD in 2024. Don was a gentle, kind man who loved spoiling Peggy, endlessly serving the Lord, and helping others. As a guitarist and vocalist he devoted countless hours to preparing and leading praise and worship. He was also a dedicated prayer warrior, Bible study teacher, and mentor who greatly influenced the spiritual growth of others. He treasured relationships with his friends and family and found joy spending time with each of them, often traveling long distances for just a few moments in their presence. For his sons he was a band dad, a theater dad, a fishing buddy, basketball opponent, and guitar teacher who was a wonderful Godly example of what a father and husband should be. As the boys grew into men he continuously supported them in their lives. He even served as the Best Man in Brian’s wedding. Adoration is the only way to describe Don’s relationship with his granddaughters, Brianna and Lauren. They had a special bond that often featured him playing Prince Papa to two little girls dressed up as princesses. He was always available for singing, dancing and twirling, rocket ship rides, Chuck E Cheese, tea parties, and anything gallant the little princesses could dream of. All grown up now the princesses spent their final time with Prince Papa playing his guitars and singing to him. Don was preceded in death by his father, Elmer G. West and brother, Thomas G. West. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Peggy (Trimble) West; son Warren West and partner Corey Porter of Hugo, Oklahoma; Brian West and wife Lora of Terrell, Texas; granddaughter Brianna West and boyfriend Jonathan McBride of Terrell, Texas; granddaughter Lauren West and boyfriend Rafael Cordoves-Picorelli of Terrell, Texas; his mother Sachiko (Uemura) West of San Antonio, Texas; sister Angela (West) McHugh and husband Rick of San Antonio, Texas; his fur baby Cody West; and numerous other family and friends. A celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at KRBC Ministries (formerly Mayfield Park Baptist Church) in San Antonio beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Young Life at http://giving.younglife.org/sasouth

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Donald G. West

March 15, 1956 - February 28, 2025