Mr. Gaither E. West

Gaither Espa (G.E./Pop) West, Somerset, age 92, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, November 12, 2010. G.E. was born in Oneida, Tennessee, on July 25, 1918, to William Riley and Martha Ellen West and was the 8th of 9 children. He graduated Oneida High School in 1936 and graduated from Volunteer Business College, Johnson City, 1938. In 1941, he enlisted in the army and served in London, England during World War II. While in London, he met the love of his life, Patricia Hanrahan, at a dance at Wimbledon. Pat and G.E. were married on July 3, 1943. Upon his discharge from military service, after achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, G.E. returned to Tennessee and worked to bring home his bride and first child from England. Reunited in 1945, the happy couple welcomed two children, Penelope Ellen (Frazier) and Timothy John, and meandered from Oneida, Tennessee, to Corbin, Kentucky, eventually settling in Somerset, Kentucky in 1958. G.E. worked for Jellico Grocery, now HT Hackney, for 48 years. He was an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan, particularly Lady Vols basketball. He and Pat enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before her death in 2003. He was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughter Pennie Frazier. Pop was a consummate jokester at heart and could strike up a conversation with any person, anywhere. His presence was often announced by a whistle or song or hum. He had a taste for things that other might find unpalatable, including buttermilk and Volunteers (just kidding). He was rarely without a book in his hand, was a crossword puzzle genius, and played a mean game of cribbage and solitaire. He was above all, a kind and fair person who never met a stranger. Survivors are his son Timothy John West, grandchildren Forrest E. “Butch” Frazier, III, Gwendolyn Anne “Wendy” Frazier (Norman Hommen), and Roman Gabriel John West, and son-in-law, Forrest E. Frazier, Jr. He is also survived by dear friend and neighbor, Becky Fancher, who assisted immeasurably over the years with meals and well checks. Pop also leaves to mourn his loss his faithful dachshund, Buddy. A memorial service will be announced at a later date, and will be under the care of Pulaski Funeral Home, Somerset. Whether you knew him as G.E or Pop, if you would like to honor his memory, please consider a donation to Galaleean Childrens Home of Liberty, KY, in lieu of flowers. Pulaski Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.