Ernest "Ernie" Edison West, 89, of Wurtland, Ky., took his last breath at St. Mary's Hospital in Huntington, W.Va., on Saturday, May 1.
West was born in Russell, Ky., on September 2, 1931. Orphaned at 5 years old, he grew up in The Methodist Home in Versailles, Ky. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army as a Private First Class in the 14th Infantry Regiment. He served from 1950-1953 and was awarded the military's highest decoration, the Congressional Medal of Honor, for his valor in the Korean War. West's platoon was ambushed near Sataeri, Korea and West ordered his men to retreat when their Commander, Captain George Gividen, was severely wounded. West carried Gividen out of direct combat while defending them from enemy attackers at close range, having his eye injured (and later removed). He then returned to the battlefield to rescue two more soldiers, leaving no men behind. President Eisenhower presented West with the Medal of Honor on January 29, 1954 at the White House, reportedly saying "please accept the admiration of an old soldier" as he placed the medal around West's neck.
After returning to Wurtland, Ky., West met his beloved wife, Janie, and the two married in 1953 on The Bride and Groom Show in New York City. They had their only daughter, the apple of his eye, Amy (West) Hogsett in 1963. Ernie and Jane were married for 57 happy years and were known to do nearly everything together, considering one another lifelong best friends. They especially loved anything outdoorsfishing, hunting, farmingand lounging together watching Westerns. West worked and retired from CSX Railroad and coached football and basketball at Wurtland High School for many years. He was an active member in his community, remaining committed to serving others throughout his lifetime.
To all who knew him, West was a fast friend who never missed a chance to make someone smile. He was modest, unassuming, and reliable always present and willing to help without question sharing a hearty laugh and his sharp tongue with anyone he met. He believed in a simple life with great friends and his doting family. West was larger than life a seemingly invincible man so many of us thought this day might never come. It is with heavy hearts and immense memories that we say goodbye to one of the greatest men this nation has known. Our Uncle Joey said it best, "God must've needed some soldiering done, so he called on the best."
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwendolyn Jane (Stafford) West.
He is survived by their only daughter, Amy and Randy Hogsett and five granddaughters: Amber and Chris Furman (Bailey Graves, Josie Graves, and Kayden Furman); Kara Wilburn (Ella Wilburn); Miranda Hogsett; Ally and Stephen Roy (Max, Zooey, and Asher Roy); and Bethany Hogsett, along with friends and close family across the nation.
In his memory, take a tip from West himself:
"I think today, in this day and time, if we would think of brothers and sisters, we'd have a better society to live in...We need to be good to people...We're all the same."
Services will be at Wurtland Middle School on Saturday, May 8. Visitation 11a.m. to 2p.m. with funeral at 2p.m., followed by Graveside Service at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these commendable groups supported by West for decades.
Kentucky United Methodist Children's Homes:
kyumh.org/donate
KYUMH
1115 Ashgrove Road
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Congressional Medal of Honor Society:
cmohs.com or contact Victoria Kueck
vkueck@cmohs.org
843-884-8862
40 Patriots Point Rd
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Due to current regulations, masks are required for all guests and social distancing is highly recommended.
Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home.