Doug West

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Doug West, formerly of Columbus, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Homestead Assisted Living in Girard after a 13-year battle with cancer. He was 76.

Doug was born on May 8, 1949, in Lee’s Summit, Mo., to Herbert C. and Betty J. (Howe) West. He graduated from Lee’s Summit High School, and then enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Doug was stationed at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Connecticut, the Submarine Capital of the World. During his duty, he served on the USS Cadmus (AR-14) in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal.

After honorable discharge he married Barbara Sue Morehead on February 3, 1973. They followed family to Southeast Kansas where they made their home for more than 48 years.

Doug had many talents. In his younger years, he worked with family building homes in and around the area. Doug spent more than 35 years with Empire District Electric Company starting as a janitor and working his way to welder/machinist first at the Asbury and then the Riverton Power Plants. He retired in 2009. Even in retirement, he continued to weld and fix things for others. He was a member of the Sherwin Christian Church.

Doug is survived by son, Matt (Kari) West of Girard, brother-in-law, Danny (Leah) Morehead of Lone Jack, Mo., sister-in-law, Vivian West of Richmond, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark; wife Barbara; his parents and in-laws; and both brothers, Richard (Rick) and Michael and his beloved sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Sandy & Paul Tarter and Melba Ann & Larry Jordan.

Several years ago, Doug participated in a Veteran’s Honor Flight, so in lieu of flowers, to pay it forward so other veterans can be recognized and share the experience his family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Parsons, Chetopa, St. Paul Veteran’s Honor Flight Program in care of the Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus, Kan.





The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Homestead Assisted Living and Harry Hynes Hospice for their care and compassion.







Following cremation, a graveside service with military honors will be held at Hosey Hill Cemetery in Weir, Kan., on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM, where he will be laid to rest.