Reginald West, Jr.

On January 14, 2010, Reginald West, my best friend, consummate athletic, husband, father and grandfather went to see Jesus and to reunite with his parents, Rex and Ina B. West. Reggie was born in Houston, March 9, 1931. His family moved to Beeville, where he and his sister, Martha Elizabeth thrived. Reggie played all the sports and was active in the Boy Scout Troop. Both Reggie and his father participated and received the Order of the Arrow. Reggie was an Eagle Scout and as such, was selected to travel to Mexico City to participate in the installation of the President of Mexico's son as an Eagle Scout. After high school graduation, he went to Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, Texas, where Reggie was elected Student Body President. He played football, ran track, and played basketball. After Schreiner he finished his education at Texas A&I Kingsville. While there he played all sports but excelled in football. He set several records, some of which were unbroken for 34 years. He was inducted into the Schreiner Hall of Honor in 2009; an honor he had received twice before to include Beeville Sports Hall of Fame (2006) and A&I Kingsville Hall of Fame (1974). After college he spent two years in the Military where he served as a Lieutenant in the Signal Core. In 1956, he met and married his sweetheart, Fran, and moved to Baton Rouge, LA. They spent five years there before deciding that Texas was calling and that coaching was his second love. The family moved to San Antonio and he began a coaching career that lasted for approximately 15 years. He had many opportunities to shape young men to be outstanding individuals. He concluded his career in education at East Central High School where he was an academic counselor, principal, and truancy officer. Reggie was a long-time member of the San Antonio Quarterback Club where he also served as President in 2008. Following retirement, in 1989, he enjoyed his friends, football, and golf. His pride has been in his children and grandchildren- he has been an outstanding POPPA. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Fran Howard West, and his 5 adoring children, Martha Frances Mahany (Kevin) of Corpus Christi, Reginald "Pete" West, III (Mary Lou), Jefferson Howard West (Michelle), Robert Wade West (friend Kenya), and Wendy Leigh King (friend Buck) all of San Antonio, Texas; A sister, Martha Elizabeth Rudeloff (Richard) of Beeville, Texas. Fourteen grandchildren, Melissa Frances Mahany Budd (Dan) of Milan, Michigan, Lindsey Ryan Mahany, Kevin Wade Mahany, Steven Patrick Mahany all of Corpus Christi, Texas, Crystal Alaniz, Liza Alaniz, Joe Anthony Alaniz, Lauren Taylor West, Madison Grey West, Claire Frances West, Cody Wade West, Cade Garrett West, Katie Leigh King, Kaleb Mathew King all of San Antonio, TX. Services will be held to honor Reggie at First Baptist Church, 515 McCullough, San Antonio, TX on Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 1:00 PM. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Raymond Barry, Pat Boutwell, Dan Connolly, Rogers Douglas, Bennie Goodman, Bill Grindle, Rodney Hayden, Glen Hill, Mack McDermott, Leo Seitz, Herald Sinclair, Charlie Urbanowich. In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in honor of Reggie West to The East Central Foundation, 6634 New Sulpher Springs Road, San Antonio, TX 78263, (210) 648-7861.