96-YEAR-OLD GILMER EDUCATOR DIES - Services Today For Damon Wilson West

(07/11/2011)
Ninety-six-year-old Gilmer educator, Damon Wilson West of Troy, has died.

West received his education at Cox's Mills in one and two-room schools and graduated from Troy High School in 1933. He graduated with a BA from Glenville State College and a master's degree from WVU.

He taught from 1936 to 1941 in a one-room school on top of the hill at Pawpaw in Gilmer County. He also taught at Troy Elementary, Troy High School, Glenville High School and Gilmer County High School.

West. a veteran of World War II. served as athletic director for 35 years in three high schools. He also coached softball, golf, football, basketball and baseball.

In 1994, the Gilmer County Board of Education directed that the Gilmer County High School gymnasium be dedicated to him and be named the Damon West Gymnasium.

He attended the dedication of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 2004.

West published "Troy High School, 1928-1968" and "A History of Troy Community."

Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Hardman-Paletti Funeral Home chapel in Weston.