Myron Joe West

Myron "Joe" West passed away April 16, 2025. Joe was born in Cameron, Missouri on October 21, 1929. He was the only son, fourth child, born to Webster Allen and Helen Emilia West. Joe had four sisters Juanita, Norma, Velda and Nancy Margaret. When Joe was seven years old his family moved to Exeter, CA. They lived in Exeter for 2 years, then Joe's family bought a ranch three miles southwest of Woodlake. Joe attended Woodlake High School and graduated in 1947. He went to College of the Sequoias until the Korean War, then he joined the Air Force. Joe completed his education at the San Bernadino Valley College. When he was 16 Jon Pennington took him on his first airplane ride in a J3 Cub. From that day on he was totally in love with flying. He took piloting lessons at the Woodlake Airport and paid for them by working there. He got his pilot license before he graduated high school. Joe loved to attend the annual Reno Air Races each year. He purchased a Stinson stationwagon in 1983 and spent many happy hours enjoying this past time. While in the Air Force Joe spent some time in England, Greenland and Newfoundland. He worked under General Maurice Preston, the man that flew the B17 in to Tulare Airport for display. Joe was honorably discharged in 1954 at March AFB where he met and married Zelmodene Coalson, the mother of his three boys, Nevin, Sterling (Mark) and Gregory. The family spent many happy weekends in Mineral King fishing and riding mules back to Mosquito Lake. When his boys were young they all became interested in Go-Karting. He, Nevin and Mark raced all over California. His youngest, Greg, had cerebral palsy and Joe served as President of the Cerebral Palsy Assn. for two years. Joe had an exemplary career in the California Highway Patrol working in San Bernadino, Los Angeles, Fresno, Porterville and Visalia. He retired after 32 years in 1989 as a Sgt. out of the Visalia office. Joe loved the CHP and was a loyal and devoted employee until retired. Zelmodene and Joe were married 32 good years when she passed away unexpectedly in 1992. A friend, Gerald Blevins, asked if he would consider going to work for him in the insurance adjustment business. Joe, never one to sit around, jumped at the chance at a new and different challenge. He met Clella Ellis in 1993 with the urging of Clellas's brother John (who worked with Joe) and Clella's daughter, Vicki (who met Joe through work and bowling). Joe and Clella were married in Lake Tahoe in July 1995. They were happily married 29 years and with their marriage, their combined family included two daughters (Vicki and Tracy) and another son (Stephen). Joe and Clella made numerous trips across the U.S. and enjoyed traveling and seeing our beautiful country. He was a happy go lucky man, full of fun. When he was home he wanted to keep busy. Joe loved his family, his church, fishing, travel, gardening, repairing small engines and fixing things around the house. He also coached both CHP and co-ed softball teams. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Webster Allen and Helen Emilia West; sisters Juanita McGuire, Norma Griffith, Velda Moore, and Nancy Margaret Askins; Sterling (Mark) West, Gregory West and Vicki Miller. Joe is survived by wife; Clella West, Sons; Nevin, West (Georgia), Stephen Ellis. Daughter; Tracy Kruse (Mark). Grandchildren; Brandon (Rebeka Watton), Zachary (Nikki), Taylor (Mara Milam), and Jarrod West, Cody Miller, Valerie Walker (Cliff), Rachel Overstreet, Sarah, Meghan, and Kayleigh Ellis. Great Grandchildren; Matthew (Darcy), Evan, Jacob and Emily Walker, Lexi and Leah Overstreet, Hazel and Wren West and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at Smith Mountain Cemetery, Road 100, Dinuba. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church, 3830 W Tulare Ave, Visalia. Luncheon to follow. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Myron Joe West

October 21, 1929 - April 16, 2025