William Gus West

William Gus West was born to doting parents, Gus and Mary West on July 15, 1935. He was born in Woodlake where he grew up and graduated from Woodlake High School. He was blessed with an aunt who was like a second mother to him, Florence Easley, who also resided in Woodlake. During his high school years Bill went to work at the Woodlake Drug Store doing odd jobs and chores until he graduated. He continued his education at the College of Sequoias where he received an Associate of Arts Degree. Throughout his life he enjoyed revisiting his hometown and childhood memories, taking a grandchild or two with him. Bill spent most of his employment years in law enforcement. He began with the Lindsay Police department, after several years, transferring to the Visalia Police Department on March 1, 1960. As an Evidence Investigator, he responded to homicides and other major crimes in the city, being called out at all hours of the night and day. He became certified as an Expert by the State of California in fingerprint analysis, granting him special credibility in courtroom testimony. He achieved the position of Police Lieutenant Commander and was in charge of Dispatch, Records, Evidence, prisoner transport and vehicle acquisition, to name a few, allowing him to demonstrate his exemplary management skills. Bill had great respect for the citizens of Visalia and did his best to serve, protect and provide them with the courtesy and support they deserved. He retired on December 31, 1993 due to health reasons. In June of 1995, he married his best friend, Cheryl Turner. Bill had a passion for fast motorcycles and fast cars. He had a special attraction for corvettes and had several during his lifetime. He also enjoyed collecting coins and antiquing with his wife. He was a master of all trades. When something broke, he could fix it; whether electrical, plumbing, mechanical, appliance repair, sprinklers and he even built his own shop. On June 11, 2025, surrounded by family, he went to be with his Heavenly Father. Bill raised two wonderful daughters with their mother Betty Hargrove. Bill loved his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren dearly. Daughter Beverly Gibson, predeceased son-in-law, Karl, grandchildren, Garrett, Meghan and Travis Gibson. Daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Richard Allender, grandchildren Wiliam and David Allender and Samatha Magary. Step daughter and son-in law Jill and David Card. Predeceased step-son, Loren Turner. He was also blessed with eight great- grandchildren, Theodore, Walter, Delilah, Luke, Meilee, Wesley, Owen and Charlie. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends but we are comforted to know \ he is with his Lord and Savior in heaven. Thank you to the Care Givers at Westgate Gardens who helped the family care for him with love and patience during his difficult time there. It is deeply appreciated. Graveside services will be held 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Thursday, June 26th, 2025 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

William Gus West

July 15, 1935 - June 11, 2025