Mr. Lenon West

Lenon West was born to Tillman West, Jr. and Arlilea Bishop West in the Longview Community of Oktibbeha County on March 29, 1935. He was affectionately known as “Lent.” Lenon spent his formative years on the Bishop Quarters. He, along with other family members, were instrumental in helping with farming the land. In fact, he said they made enough from a single cotton crop in the early 1940’s to pay off the entire mortgaged acres of land in full. This property is in the family today! He joined Bethel Missionary Baptist Church at an early age under the pastorage of Reverend Shaw and remained a faithful member until his transition. In 1953, Lenon moved to Los Angeles to be with his oldest brother, Curtis, who served as a trusted mentor until his untimely death in 2010. While in Los Angeles, Lenon had several jobs. However, the job he spoke more fondly of was working for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 17 years as a machinist. He also served several terms as a Representative for the United Rubber Workers (URW) Union. He gained lifelong friends at Goodyear. In 1972, he decided to relocate back to Starkville to be near family and friends. With a strong desire and an entrepreneurial spirit, he opened a recreation/café called “The Place.” This was a unique establishment in that it served as a first job for several family members, a local meeting place, restaurant, pool hall, and a dancing venue, to name a few. After operating “The Place” for several years, he decided to go into the logging business with his younger brother, Evish. He remained in the logging business for many years, retiring in the late 1990’s. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had several pastimes; two in particular were watching GE Patterson on YouTube. Another pastime was being the “quintessential” checkers champion of the family. Although he made up some unusual rules to ensure he was victorious, we just stood by in idle defeat. When Lenon made his transition on Saturday, June 27th, his children Bruce, Conni & Cassandra were by his side when he took his last breath. Lenon was predeceased by his parents, sons, Gregory & Lenon; brothers: Curtis, Evish, Terry, Tillman III, Dallas, Clinton & Charles; sisters: Susie, Bertha, Maudine, Ruby & Brenda. Lenon leaves to cherish his memories his sons: Bruce (Cathy) West of Moorpark CA, Marcus West of Sherman Oaks CA; daughters: Terri Spencer of Inglewood, CA, Conni Riddle of Starkville, Arlilea West of Beaumont CA and Tebetha Davis of Los Angeles; Cassandra Tate of Houston, TX & Maxine Johnson of Dallas; brothers: Alford (Janice) West of Broadview, IL and Eric Clay of Starkville; sisters: Ann (Walter) Delphin, Tillie (Willie) Smith, Norma Stewart and Nellie Walker all of Dallas TX and Mary Skinner of Starkville. He also leaves several grand and great-grandchildren, along with a host of relatives, family and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Lenon West

March 29, 1935 - June 27, 2026