Kenneth Eugene West Obituary

Description: Kenneth Eugene West Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Kenneth Eugene West

October 8, 1931 — April 8, 2026

Pueblo West, Colorado

Obituary

Kenneth “Ken” West, 94, of Pueblo West, Colorado passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with family by his side after a long illness. He was born on October 8, 1931, in La Junta, Colorado to Walter & Floy West (Fewell). Ken was the oldest of three boys and enjoyed growing up on a small acreage in North La Junta.

Ken started working as soon as he received his driver’s license in 1947. He was a delivery driver for Sinton Dairy and worked from 5am until school time each day. The following summer he worked for Mr. Estes, driving a large tractor and breaking sod near Ordway. Then he continued his work for Mr. Estes, working on La Veta Pass, loading pre-cut lodge pole pine used to make corrals for sale rings. He also worked one season at the Swink Sugar Beet factory.

After graduating from La Junta High School in 1949, Ken went to work for the AT&SF railroad. In 1952, he paused his work on the railroad to enlist in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country during the Korean War while being stationed in both Korea and Japan. After receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1956, he returned to work with the railroad until retiring in 1986. Ken often spoke fondly of his time on the railroad and the many good friends he made there including Phil Caponera, Bill Karney and his mentor, Lloyd Morgan.

In 1953, when home on leave from Korea, Ken met Cora Jane Thomas while she was working at Bernie’s Drive In. They dated for a short time and were married in June of 1954. Ken and Jane grew to be inseparable during their 64 years of marriage. Together, they built two homes (from the ground up) in the La Junta area. Both homes are resided in, to this day. In 1970, Ken and Jane bought a 30-acre farm in La Junta Gardens and together they worked that farm until having a home built and moving to Pueblo West in 1989.

After retirement, Ken kept himself busy landscaping their new home, model railroading, fishing, camping, ATV riding and visiting friends and family throughout the United States. At the age of 74, Ken brought a rusted out 1939 Ford Coupe and turned it into a beautiful street rod that he and Jane took all over Southern Colorado to various car shows, winning several awards. At the

age of 80, Ken purchased a 1950 John Deere B tractor and restored it, turning it into a tractor pulling machine. He joined the Arkansas Valley Flywheelers and together, he and Jane participated in tractor pulls throughout Southern Colorado. Jane always made cinnamon rolls to share with members and Dad always left with several award ribbons and even some impressive trophies. After Jane’s passing in 2018, Ken continued to keep his mind, hands and body active. He continued tractor pulling until the age of 91. In 2022 he restored his 3rd vintage tractor, a Ford 8N. Then, he set to working on making wooden gifts for friends and family. Until early 2025, Ken was spending upwards of six hours each day in his wood shop, building puzzles, decorative keepsake chests and many other incredible things.

Ken is survived by his daughter Sheri West; son Robert (Jill) West; granddaughters Crystal (Samuel) Wells, Kelley (Darius) Alavi and Carlee West; grandsons Kylen Mathias and Kolton West; great-grandsons Brayden Alavi and Christopher Mathias. He is also survived by his brother Paul (Neva) West, numerous nieces and nephews, good friends Bob Drake and Tom Esch, and his loving miniature dachshund Dolly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Keith West and his beloved wife “Janie” who he is now reunited with in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family would like to extend their deepest heartfelt thanks to Sangre De Cristo Community Care and to the wonderful staff members who lovingly tended to Ken over the last few months, helping keep him at his home and later, his son’s home. A special thank you to Shelby Cordova for being his nurse and most importantly, his earthly angel and story sharing buddy.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the 1p36 Deletion Support and Awareness Foundation to honor Ken and on behalf of his grandson, Kolton. (1p36dsa.org)

Graveside Service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta with pastor Dan Larson of Pueblo Young Life officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Perez & Peacock Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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