Larry Lairl West, 82, of Buckhannon, passed unexpectedly in his home on Monday, April 25, 2022.
He was born in Buckhannon on May 28, 1939, a son of the late Erlo and Merle Moreland West. Larry was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by his beloved wife of over 56 years, Thanna Sue Hinkle West, his parents, and his sister, Helen Long.
Larry West is simply one of the greatest pitchers to ever toe the mound in Upshur County. Coach Feola called West the best high school pitcher he had ever seen. Larry earned All-State Honors and lettered three seasons in both baseball and basketball at B-UHS, playing with Frank Feola as coach. Following graduation in 1957, he played both basketball and baseball at WV Wesleyan College with Hank Ellis as coach. Larry then signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played in the Pro Diamond leagues, with records of 16-8 and 15-9, until 1961 when a shoulder injury ended his career.
Larry came back to Buckhannon and finished his physical education degree at Wesleyan and took the baseball coaching position at B-UHS while teaching at the Junior High. In his 12 campaigns with the BUCS they mounted 215 victories and only 66 losses, winning eight sectional and five regional championships, as well as a state title in 1972. He held the position of Athletic Director for 23 years, overseeing Buccaneer athletics. In 2002, the Little League fields in Tennerton became the “Larry West Complex”, with the little league board and the community giving honor to someone that gave so much to the program.
Larry was a life-long member of the Tennerton United Methodist Church, and an Adult Sunday School teacher for many years. He loved fishing on WV rivers and lakes, as well as fishing trips to Canada. He was an avid sports fan.
Forever cherishing their memories of Larry’s calm and honest nature are two daughters: Shahna West of Buckhannon and Sharmaine Steckbeck and husband, Ted, of Clarksburg, NJ; one son, Shane West and wife, Billi, of Buckhannon; three grandchildren: Justin Trumble, Stetson West, and Sophee Steckbeck; one great grandchild, Silas West; one brother-n-law, Robert Hinkle of Ohio, and his Basset Hound, Sag.
Larry’s request for cremation has been honored by Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life Service at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church located at 88 South Kanawha Street in Buckhannon on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 6:00 p.m., with Pastor Dwayne Brown and Mike Hinkle officiating.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Larry’s favorite charity: Pet Door Rescue, 356 South Tenney Drive, Buckhannon, WV 26201.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Larry Lairl West. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
