Grover T. West Jr

Grover Thomas "GT" West Jr., 86, of Kirtland, was promoted to heaven Sunday, April 9, 2017.
He was born Jan. 30, 1931, in Davidson, Okla. to Grover Thomas Sr. and Alma West.
GT was born with a thirst for knowledge, athletic talent, and the ability to talk to anyone about any subject.
His handsome appearance and disarming smile had an impact on everyone he met.
Athletically he held Oklahoma State records in track and excelled in baseball and football. His hand-eye coordination enabled him to be one of the very best natural shotgun and rifle shooters anywhere. Golf became a life-long passion that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He loved watching golf practice at Riverview Golf Course and offered lessons freely to all.
GT started working as a young boy at the Sparks Gas Station delivering ice from the ice house to Davidson residents. He worked as a Frisco Railroad Telegrapher and Depot Agent for several years and then became the Golf Pro in Frederick, Okla. In 1963 he moved his family to Kirtland to operate the El Paso Natural Gas Company golf course. He ultimately transferred to the plant and learned to operate every portion of the El Paso facilities in Kirtland, Jal and Dimmitt. GT retired from El Paso at the Dimmitt, Texas location.
He was welcomed by his own heavenly hosts that included Lequetta, his loving wife of 67 years. Also welcoming him were his parents, GT Sr. and Alma West; brothers, Bobby, Frank and Morris; and great-granddaughter, Allison Grace West. GT is survived by his sons, John (Darlene) West, Steven West and Michael (Linda) West; daughter, Angela (Paul) Hazzard; grandchildren, Greg (Robyn) West, John Paul (Jessica) West, Bradley (Emily) West, Delaney and Ross West, Shelby (Tyson) Uselman, Drew Hazzard, Morgan (Drew) VerHaar; and great grandchildren Graiden, Landon, Tanner, Brooke, Jacob, Kaitlyn, Ashley and Scout.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12 at the First Baptist Church of Kirtland, 17 Road 6500 in Kirtland with Brother Brett Puckitt officiating. Burial will follow at the Kirtland Fruitland Cemetery, 59 Road 6575, Kirtland.
Pallbearers are John West, Steven West, Michael West, Paul Hazzard, Carroll Sullivan and Jim Linker.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the First Tee Golf Program, Attn: Tom Yost, Riverview Golf Course, PO Box 360, Kirtland, NM 87417.