Gary V. West died on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 2:51 P. M., at his home in Fairmont, West Virginia. A lifelong resident of Marion County, a businessman, teacher and case worker, he was born on August 10, 1947, at Fairmont General Hospital. Gary is survived by his loving companion of 36 years, Kathy Day Ross; his son John C. West, of Fairmont, and his wife Amanda, and their children, Julianne Gallo and Olivia Seamon; his daughter Chelsea Mills, and her husband John Matthew, of Georgia, and their children Hayley Mills, Garrett Mills and Madison Mills; his daughter Jodi Sammons, and her husband Michael, of Fairmont, and their children Sophie Sammons and Cole Sammons; his stepchildren Rebecca Turner and her husband Gerald, her husband, Jennifer Ross, and her husband, Michael; his sister Jean West Phillips of Fairmont, and her husband, Chip, and their daughter, Ashley Schmidt, and her husband; Ryan, and his cousin, Mary Ellen Haney. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Hazel West, by his nephew Jeffrey Phillips, and by his friend and the mother of his children, Mary West.

Gary attended Marion County schools and was a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School. Gary then served his country in the United States Navy, including his time in the 6thth Fleet in Europe where he made the most of sightseeing around the Mediterranean. Gary later graduated from Fairmont State College, where he was a charter member and president of Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity.

Gary loved spending time outdoors with his fishing and camping buddy Kathy. Gary enjoyed being Kathy’s chauffer and cook, and told many that he loved every minute of that role, including doing the laundry. Kathy was a caregiver for Gary especially the last few years of their life together. Gary was always quick to share with others what Kathy did for him, as well as their care and love for one another.

Gary’s love of the outdoors extended to gardening. Gary loved to share his harvests and gifts of food, fresh and canned. His friends would wonder if they got more of the harvest than did Gary. An amateur winemaker, he reveled in sharing the fruit of the vine.

Gary had a close relationship with his children and grandchildren, and loved to tell his friends about what was going on in their lives. Gary loved his children and was especially proud of the adults that they came to become. His stepchildren really became his children and their children had special feelings for their “Grandpa Gary.” His cousin, Mary Ellen, was close to Gary for a very long time and he often sought advice from her, including when he was a teenager, on how to connect with his first girlfriend.

Gary was very grateful for the loving guidance of his parents. He wanted to know from where he came and explored his ancestry, which he was able to trace back a few centuries.

Gary enjoyed time with his friends, whether golfing or hosting the annual Christmas poker game, a tradition that his friends will always remember as those games took place for over fifty years. He looked forward to Spring “Ramp Camp” on Middle Mountain in Randolph County where he and his son John and a group of “forever” friends enjoyed cooking ramps and peperoni rolls with peppers and cheese. Bocce ball and poker were enjoyed as well. He cherished those times and those people.

Gary was a gifted and published writer as a contributor to Goldenseal magazine. It gave Gary a chance to tell of his love of fishing, baseball and Marion County history. Gary was a wordsmith who tended to write mostly about others rather than himself, which was a reflection of who he was.

Gary called himself a painter and maker of crafts, but he was really an artist and skilled woodworker. Gary regularly sold the works of his craft, but throughout his life would liberally give to friends and family many of his creations.

Gary was well read and could remember the wisdom found in books he had read, sometimes from even decades before. If Gary recommended a book, his friends would know it was worthwhile to read. Gary enjoyed different types of music, from classical to Southern Rock.

Gary “never knew a stranger” and had friends from all walks of life. Never judgmental, he celebrated diversity in others and welcomed their opinions and ideas. A lifelong learner, he was endlessly curious about everything. His excitement and enthusiasm for living was infectious. He loved his life, his family and his friends. As much as he loved others, the truth is…Gary was easy to love.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Domico Funeral Home. After a private viewing by the family, friends are invited for a viewing at 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont on Saturday, May 23, 2026, with public visitation from 1 p.m. through 3 p.m. with the remembrance and memorial service to follow at 3 p.m. Gary wanted his family and friends to continue with that celebration of his life, together with refreshments and music, which will follow at his final residence.