Jon S. West

Jon S. West, 87, of Minburn, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Eden Acres Campus of Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025, at the Minburn United Methodist Church, located at 705 Chestnut Street in Minburn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Minburn American Legion Osborne Post #99 or the Minburn Emergency Rescue Team. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jon was born on April 30, 1938, in Perry, Iowa, the son of Ralph West and Marian Correll. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Henry and Lena West, who devoted their lives to him. Their influence and care played a profound role in shaping his character. He graduated from Minburn Community School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Simpson College in Indianola and a Master’s Degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

He proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for many years and was a longtime member of the Minburn American Legion Osborne Post #99. Jon was active in the Dallas County Farm Bureau for three decades, serving as president, secretary, and in other leadership roles, as well as assisting with membership management. He was a dedicated board member of the Dallas County Care Facility for many years and an active member of Washington Chapel Church of Christ until its closure.

Jon spent his career in education, working as a teacher at Perry High School and an administrator at the Woodward State Hospital School. He was passionate about supporting individuals with special needs and devoted much of his life to their advocacy. While at Woodward, he played a significant role in establishing the Special Olympics in Iowa. He was a steadfast advocate for farmers, working to protect agricultural land from development. He also played a major role in bringing the Freedom Rock to Minburn, just one of the many community efforts he was involved in.

In his earlier years, Jon enjoyed fishing, trips to the lake, and spending time with extended family. He had a love for cars; doing bodywork, painting, dismantling vehicles for parts, and was known for keeping the neighborhood kids' motorcycles running. He also enjoyed spending time at the races with his sons, where he was often involved in selling items or advertising. He was an avid World War II aircraft history enthusiast and had a self-proclaimed love for planting weeds.

Jon was especially known for his creativity and energy during Minburn's 4th of July celebrations. For years, he helped organize games for children; sack races, tire rolls, tennis ball relays, and the infamous women’s nail-pounding contest. His unique ideas brought joy to many, whether participating, spectating, or cheering from the sidelines. Above all, he deeply cherished his family and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Jon is survived by his two sons, Jon (Marti) West and Jim (Bethany) West, both of Minburn; Marti’s son, Michael (Liz) Paul of Waukee; along with many extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and his beloved wife, Janice West.