Gary Lee West

Rev. Gary Lee West January 7, 1956 - January 4, 2021

Gary was born to Leonard and Frances (Stafinski) West of Medina Ohio, 

January 7th 1956, and attended Medina Senior High graduating with honors in 1974. Gary was very civic-minded, with willingness to speak with organizations sharing the story of his blindness. He was a long time member of the Medina Lions Club. He served as District Governor of District 13-C as well as many other offices and a former President of Ohio Lions Pilot Dogs Association. He was also instrumental in the resurgence of the Wellington Lions Club. Through his time in Wellington he also played Santa during Christmas and was a bell ringer with his grandchildren. In the early 70s, he worked as a butcher at Pelton’s in Medina. Through the end of the 70’s, Gary worked at General Telephone of Ohio and met his wife Sandy of 39 years. Gary was ordained in the late 80’s at Freedom Baptist Church of Sharon Center, Ohio and worked with the youth group for several years. Through the years he helped establish Crossroads Baptist Church of Elyria Ohio, and attended Christian Unity of Grafton Ohio. Gary pastored here in Wellington at Christ Community Church for over 15 years.  

Gary is survived by his wife Sandra J.(Brown) West of Wellington; a son, Shawn West of Ashland, Kentucky; a daughter, Candice (Don) Regal of Wellington, Ohio; grandchildren, Aren Meinhart, Peyton Regal, Ethan Regal, Kyleigh Johnson of Wellington Ohio, Paige Burwell of Howard Ohio, Jill Regal and Danae Regal of Mount Vernon, and countless others who affectionately thought of him as a grandfather. Gary’s siblings are Jeffery (Nancy) West of Hillsboro Ohio, Karen (Wayne) Maur of Medina Ohio, Larry (Debbie) West of Medina, Ohio and Kevin (Greta) West of Ashburn, Virginia. Gary is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of faithful friends. 

Gary passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 4th with complications of COVID 19 and pneumonia.  He was preceded in death by his father Leonard and mother Frances. Gary is dearly mourned by his family and loved ones; however, he wanted his life of service to the Lord to be celebrated with joyous praise. 

There will be a memorial visitation where the family will receive family and friends on Saturday January 9th from 2:00-4:00pm at Norton-Eastman Funeral Home, 370 S Main St, Wellington, OH 44090. Visitors are required to bring and wear a face mask or covering while inside the funeral home. There are a limited number of guests allowed in the funeral home at one time, so guests should be prepared to possibly wait outside. 

A celebration of life church service will be held at a later time. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Gary's name to Christ Community Church Wellington, 212 West Herrick Ave Wellington, Oh 44090 or Pilot Dogs, Inc. 625 West Town Street Columbus, OH 43215.

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