Michael West

Michael Lynn West, 61, devoted husband, father, and grandfather passed away on July 11, 2024, in the care of his wife and children.

Michael was born to Jesse & Frieda (Stanley) West on November 13, 1962, in Wichita, Kansas. He graduated High School in Girard, Kansas in 1981 and was the first in his family to graduate college, earning a bachelor’s in business administration in 1991 from Pittsburg State University.

Michael married Susan Johnson, his high school sweetheart, devoted wife, and best friend of 41 years on June 4, 1983, at the First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, Kansas, Susan survives of the home.

Michael began his career in 1980, assisting with the startup and operations of the family business and former staple of the Girard community, Mini Stop. He served the City of Girard, first as a city councilman and from 1996 to 2007, as the City Administrator, where he led projects on a new city hall, fire station, city pool, new play equipment at the park, and countless other projects around town. Michael went on to own and operate Mini Stop with his family, until serving as City Administrator for Butler, Missouri from 2020 to 2023.

Michael loved his family and was most passionate about his role as a father and grandfather. He invested his time, energy, and heart into whatever his children and grandchildren have been interested in. He coached ball, untangled fishing lines, sat through countless performances, drove across the country with fighting children in tow, and did it all because of his deep love for his family.

In addition to his wife Susan, survivors include his daughters, Stephanie West-Potter, and her wife Megan West-Potter, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Courtney Smith, and husband Brian Smith of Spring Hill, Kansas; his son, Tyler West of Carl Junction, Missouri; his four grandchildren, Frankie West-Potter, Vinnie West-Potter, Ainsley Smith and Daxton Smith; his father Jesse West and brother Jesse West Jr.; nieces and nephews. Michael was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Frieda West.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life Open House at Raymond Community Home, 301 S. Osage, Girard, KS, Saturday, July 27th from noon until 4 p.m. Mike was never one for formal events, so come as you are! Light refreshments will be provided.

In honor of Michael, a memorial fund has been set up at GN Bank in Girard. Michael loved music and he also loved the city park. The family will be purchasing a musical play piece to be installed at the park. Memorial donations may be made to the "Mike West Memorial" and dropped off or mailed to GN Bank, 205 S. Summit, PO Box 6, Girard, KS 66743.