Gerald "Gerry" West

Gerald West (Gerry, Donny) was born March 1, 1941, in Burnet, Texas to Dorothy and Roy Gilbert (Pop), both deceased.

Gerry met and married Margaret Cathey while stationed at Marine Corps Barracks, NAD, McAlester. Margaret was a 1961 McAlester High School graduate. They were married at the 2nd and Washington church of Christ on January 18, 1963. They were married 63 years.

Gerry joined the United States Marine Corps on August 26, 1959. During his military service he served in Vietnam with the 3rd battalion 9th Marines, B Company 3rd Shore Party Battalion as the Platoon Sgt. As Platoon Sergeant in Vietnam, his duty was to run patrols to protect 55 million gallons of aviation fuel for the entire I Corp of South Vietnam.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps in April 1971, Gerry was hired by the Federal Protection Service in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1977, Gerry returned to McAlester and accepted a position as Director of Security and Law Enforcement at the now called McAlester Army Ammunition Depot. After forty years of government service Gerry retired from MCAAP at McAlester, Oklahoma in August 1998.

God added Gerry to the Body of Christ as a young man. He was a faithful servant, believer, and follower of Christ all the days of his life.

Gerry leaves behind his wife Margaret of 63 years, daughter Cheryl Lee and her husband, Wade Sumpter Jr. of Ada, Oklahoma, and daughter Leslie Ann and her husband Scott Sutherland of Edmond, Oklahoma. His sister, Johnece Sloan and her husband Dave Sloan, also survive him. In addition Gerry leaves behind his four grandchildren: Aaron and his wife Shelby Sumpter of Edmond, Amanda and her husband Donny Walker of Ada, Cameron and his wife Taryn Sutherland of Edmond, and Alexis and her husband Andrew Akard also of Edmond. He is also survived by his six great grandchildren: Everett and Emelia (Millie) Akard, Daphne Walker, Olive and Arlo Sumpter and Theadora Sutherland and many nieces and nephews.

Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home