Robert Lee West

Robert Lee West of Trinity, FL passed away peacefully on 18 August at his home.

Born in East St. Louis, Illinois and raised in Belleville, Chicago, and Milwaukee, before returning to Belleville, IL for his senior year and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950. Robert went on to earn his Degree from Belleville, IL Community College prior to entering Active Duty in the United States Air Force assigned for 4 years to the Office of Atomic Tracking in Washington, DC.  After his time in service, Robert would spend the next 33 years working on and establishing computer systems around the country and parts of Europe. Not one to stand still after retirement, Robert went back to work at Wal-Mart spending 9 years working in the Tire and Lube Department before finally retiring.

Robert has resided in Belleville, Illinois, South Hampton, England, Overland Park, Kansas and the last 19 years in Trinity, Florida.  Robert’s activities included his time as a Eucharistic Minister, spending time with his large and loving Family, volunteering at his Parish and for the Knights of Columbus, Fishing, and his European travels with his Wife Betty. Robert was also a licensed commercial pilot and photographer.

Among many of his accomplishments, Robert worked and developed the introduction of UPC codes, Voice Mail and development of the first ATMs in the country. He also was the face of Wal-Mart’s “Hi this is Ol’ Bob” commercials introducing and educating viewers and new car owners on types and choices of oil for their vehicles. His final venture was setting words to pen to capture his thoughts and feelings, through antidotes, historical chronological events, and photographs of his 91 years of life in his soon to be published auto-biographical memoirs.

Robert is survived by his Loving Wife of 70 years Betty West (Schaefer) Trinity, FL, Daughters Vicki (Westerfield), Bill Hebenstreit of O’Fallon, IL Mechelle and Troy Scarlett of Ocala, FL, Suzy and Pat Tramposh of Springfield, MO, Erika and Scott Meier of Trinity, FL and Son Robert and Kim West of Fair Grove, MO. Sister, Sharon (West) and Melvin Weck of Mascoutah, IL. Grandchildren, Kurt and Jennifer Westerfield, Anthony and Sarah Palmisano, Tim and Kelsey Scarlett, Dustin West and Erica Klier,  Dominic and Erica Palmisano, Kyle and D’eldria Tramposh, Brittany and Mike Hornung, Matt and Monica Scarlett, Sophie Tramposh, Taylour and Austin Adkins, Jordan Tramposh, Savannah Meier, Eriksen Meier, Alyvia Meier and 27 Great Grandchildren.

Robert is preceded in death by Sons Donald and Douglas, Elmer (Father), Margaret West (Glogovsek) (Mother), and Great grandson Nico West.

Robert’s Memorial Service will be held on Friday the 25^th of August 2023 at 11 a.m. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 8320 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey, Florida, 34653. Memorial contributions can be made to Robert’s charities St. Jude, Shriners Hospital for Children and St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry.