Memorial services for Nicholas Michael West, 61, of Palacios will be 2:00 PM this Sat. (Aug. 2) at the First Presbyterian Church.
Nick was born on Dec.14, 1952 in Rushville, Indiana to the late Bert and Betty West and he passed away on July 27 in Bay City.
Nick was a career newspaperman at various newspapers and was the Editor/Publisher of the Palacios Beacon for the last 33 years. One of Nick's proudest chapters in life was working at the Beacon alongside his father, Bert, and his son Ryan; though at times challenging, these times were definitely cherished.
He was a proud member and served in many capacities for several organizations some of which include: Texas Press Association, South Texas Press Association, Gulf Coast Press Association, Palacios Chamber of Commerce, Palacios Housing Authority, Harmonie Club Grand Marshall, recipient of Business of the Year, Palacios ISD's Media of the Year, Chamber Man of the Year and started Palacios Information Network with Dale Porter and Murdoch McRae.
Above all, his proudest achievement as serving in the United States Marine Corp. Being the proud Marine, Nick celebrated the Marine Corp Birthday annually and invited his Marine Corp brothers to attend.
Nick fought a long courageous battle with cancer, never gave up and maintained his wit and warped sense of humor. Nick remained optimistic and encouraging to his family and friends to the end. He will be loved and missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Tina Louise West.
He is survived by his wife Mary; children Chris West of Port Lavaca, Billye West of Clute, Randy (Brendale) Orr of Texarkana, and Ryan (Brandi) West of Palacios; grandchildren Michelle West, Steven and Mercedes Valentine, Kaylen Gibbs, and Noah, Madelyn, and Elainna West; sisters Leidon (John) Eames of Dangerfield; Dodi (George) Edinger of Lake St. Louis, MO; Debbie (Tim) Reyna of Dangerfield; Karen (Mickey) Robey of Crushing; and brothers, Pat (Betty) West of Mt. Pleasant, and Larry (Missy) West of Yoakum and sisters-in-law, Sally (Eddy) Sikes of Texas City; Lucy (Rob) Ziegler of Bourne; and Sue (Jesse) Blake of Port Lavaca and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
The family requests memorials to the Palacios Area Fund located at 454 Main St, Palacios, TX 77465.