Wilson Lee West, 90, died Monday, October 20, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society, Hutchinson. He was born May 24, 1935, in rural Amy, KS, to Wilson and Bessie (Sharp) West.
Growing up on the family farm in rural Lane County, KS, Lee attended Dighton High School, Dighton, KS, and graduated in 1953. After high school, Lee proudly joined the Kansas National Guard, and after serving his country for 27 years, he retired in 1999 as a Sgt. E5. In Hutchinson, Lee worked as a laborer COOP grain Elevators, and as a custodian for USD 308 school district and Hadley Day Care Center.
Lee enjoyed watching any sports, even if he had no favorite team. Him and Sandra enjoyed watching NASCAR together, their favorite part was the thrill of the unexpected crashes. Each year, Lee anticipated Christmastime, he volunteered for the Salvation Army and loved to ring the bells for donations, his compassionate smile and infectious greetings brought many donations to his bucket and sometimes even hot cocoa. Lee was truly a caring man, when his daughter, April delivered newspapers, Lee walked alongside her for the entire paper route to make sure she made it home safely, he did it for his son, Andrew as well. Those gestures were small, but meant so much to his family.
On October 4, 1969, Lee married Sandra Kay Lock in Hutchinson. They shared over 54 years of marriage prior to her death on February 26, 2023.
Lee was a member of Countryside Baptist Church, Hutchinson for several years, and later joined Faith United Methodist, Hutchinson after his marriage to his wife, Sandra.
Lee is survived by: his children, Andrew West and April (Daniela Manigan) West; brother, Gary (Marilyn) West; grandchildren, Alissa McVey, Adam McVey, and Rayne Hedrick; 3 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his wife, Sandra; parents; daughter, Amy; and brother, Tracey.
Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of life and inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wilson Lee West Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.