Sam and Barbara West

Sam was born October 1, 1934, in Farmersville where he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Jackson, on June 15, 1956. Sam was in the Air Force Reserve and graduated from East Texas State Teachers College which launched his career in education. Sam began his career as a teacher in Wylie before moving to Arlington to be a math teacher at Arlington State College (UTA). Sam later became a teacher at Hill Elementary and transitioned into the role of principal at Hill where he remained until he retired in 1994. In 1997, the Arlington ISD named a new school the Sam and Barbara West Elementary School, in honor of Sam and Barbara’s service.

Barbara West passed away on June 6, 2009. Sam West passed away on April 7, 2012, at the age of 77. 

From Mr. West’s Obituary:

Samuel Eugene West, 77, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2012. Sam was born October 1, 1934, in Celeste to Samuel James and Claudia Pennington West. He grew up in Farmersville where he met and married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Jackson, on June 15, 1956. Sam was in the Air Force Reserve and graduated from East Texas State Teachers College which launched his career in education. Sam began his career as a teacher in Wylie before moving to Arlington to be a math teacher at Arlington State College (UTA). Sam later became a teacher at Hill Elementary and transitioned into the role of principal at Hill where he remained until he retired in 1994. In 1997, the Arlington ISD named a new school the Sam and Barbara West Elementary School, in honor of Sam and Barbara’s service. In 2006, Sam was inducted into the Farmersville Ex-Students Association’s Hall of Fame for his devotion to the education of our youth. Sam was a master Mason in the Arlington and Farmersville lodges and a member of the Texas Scottish Rite. He was also a member of the Kiwanis club and University Baptist Church. He loved baseball and worked a second job for many years with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club. Sam found his greatest joy as a father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his extended family and many friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and brought laughter to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Barbara; and grandsons, Sam and Logan West. Survivors: Sons, Steven and wife, Valeri, Stanley and wife, Jennifer; grandsons, Adam and Ben; granddaughters, Lily and Amanda; great-grandson, Aaron; sister, Frances Caplinger; brother, Johnny West; and many other loved ones and friends.

Published in Star-Telegram from April 8 to April 9, 2012