Charles L. "Lynn" West

Charles “Lynn” West, 91, peacefully passed from this life into the arms of his Savior and Lord on April 11, 2022. He was born September 14, 1930 to the late Elza and Velma Crump West in Bismarck, Missouri.

Lynn graduated from Southwestern Bible Institute with an Associate in Fine Arts and the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He then went on to complete a Master of Arts in Special Education from Webster University.

He was a professional educator in Missouri for 38 years, teaching in various rural Missouri school districts and Special District of St. Louis County for 31 years.  Lynn taught one of the first special needs classes in Southeast Missouri. He also served as the director of the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation Camp for special needs children in St. Louis County, a board member for Southside Academy for Special Needs Children, and a private tutor for special needs children.

Lynn served as organist at Rio Hondo Baptist Church for eighteen years and for two years at Lighthouse Fellowship in Harlingen. For sixteen years, he also served as organist for worship services at Fun N Sun RV Resort and performed in various special events and concerts.  Lynn was recognized by the Mid-America Gospel Music Association (MAGMA) for his contribution to gospel music and is listed on MAGMA’s Wall of Honor.

In addition to enjoying music, in his leisure time Lynn enjoyed gardening and RVing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Left to treasure Lynn’s memory are his loving wife, Shirley Radford West; his children, Robyne (James) Baker of Missouri, and Corwin (Sharon) West of New Mexico; grandchildren, Lindsay Cotton of Oklahoma, and Josiah Baker of California; four step-granddaughters, Melanie Chitwood of New Mexico, Vanessa Christensen of South Dakota, Amanda Peterson of Kansas, and Laurel Martin of New Mexico; and eight great-grandchildren.

Lynn’s family and friends will gather Monday, April 18, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home for a Celebration of Life service with Rev. Vance Greek officiating. Click on the TRIBUTE WALL tab on this page to leave condolences or share a memory.

Click the link below to view a livestream of the Memorial Service.