Coy Leithal West

Coy Leithal West, 83, of Pryor, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, loving father, and cherished friend, Coy spent his life in service to others—whether through his career, his faith, or his unwavering kindness. Coy dedicated 34 years to the Pryor Post Office as a USPS postal worker, where he greeted everyone with a warm smile and a kind word. After retirement, he continued his strong work ethic for another 10 years at Mid America Rental Center. But his greatest roles were those of mentor, coach, and guiding presence to his family and friends. A passionate sports enthusiast, Coy coached Little League baseball when his sons were younger and later led church league softball teams, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance in all his players. He was a true Bible scholar, never ceasing to study, teach, and live by its words. He knew scripture forward and backward, applying its wisdom in everything he did. Coy had a love for adventure and never passed up an opportunity to travel—or to stop at Cracker Barrel for a good meal. He also found joy in reading Louis L'Amour books, getting lost in stories of the Old West. He loved coffee, which had to have exactly 3 Splenda and 1 cream. He enjoyed listening and laughing to comedian Jerry Clower and watching the TV show M.A.S.H. Known as a second father to many of his children's friends, Coy always offered a listening ear, a helping hand, and words of encouragement.On March 15, 1963, he married the love of his life, J. Vesta West, in Westville, Oklahoma. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion until her passing in 2016. Coy's legacy of faith, kindness, and generosity will live on in the countless lives he touched. His memory will be cherished always.

Coy is survived by his sons, Coy West II and wife Carla of Rogers, AR, and Nathan West of Pryor, OK; his daughters, Honey West of Tulsa, OK, and Hollie Ketcher and husband Jon of Pryor, OK; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and dear friends. He also leaves behind a special friend, Miree Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erb and Loretta West, his beloved wife, J. Vesta West, and his siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, in the Parkview Missionary Baptist Church in Chouteau with his grandsons, Samuel Coy West, Joseph Lyn Meitzen, and Jonathan Glenn Ketcher serving as Honorary Casket Bearers. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Shipman’s Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.