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Kenneth Eugene “Ken” West, 89
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Published: May 18, 2024, 9:54 PM

Mr. Kenneth Eugene “Ken” West, 89, of McMinnville, went home to be with his Savior on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Transplanted from Hopkinsville, Ky., Ken was locally known as pianist at First Baptist Church (25 years) and the Harmony Echoes Quartet (40 years), later serving in the same capacity at Gath Baptist Church. 

Ken was retired from DeZurik Southern, McMinnville, where he served as purchasing manager. He graduated from Austin Peay State University in 1958, where he lettered in basketball. Ken was a lifelong, avid fan of the University of Kentucky, attending many games over his lifetime. He also loved playing golf, traveling and spending time with his children, grandchildren and family.  He loved babies; they were Papa’s “Dandies."  

Mr. West was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Eugene and Mabel Irene Foster West of Hopkinsville, Ky. Ken is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of over 65 years, Joyce Black West, a widely known gospel musician. Additional survivors are children, Donna West (Donny) Berryhill, Jeff (Jolene) West, and Chris (Allison) West; grandchildren, Nathan Berryhill, Natalie (John) Frederick, Philip Berryhill, John Berryhill (fiancé Lauren Olive), Matthew Berryhill, Ethan West, Emily West, Owen West, Millie West, and Connor West; great grandchildren, Marina Berryhill, Adelyne Olive, Aspyn Berryhill, with a great-grandson on the way.

The West family will receive friends Saturday, May 18, at McMinnville Funeral Home from 5 until 8 p.m. and again Sunday 11 a.m. until the time of service. The Funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, in the Chapel, officiated by Bros. Rick Stewart and Ray Gilder. Interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com.

McMinnville Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Southern Standard 

(McMinnville, Tenn.) May 19, 2024
Martha Raye Watson, 71
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Published: Apr 7, 2025, 1:49 AM

McMinnville resident and Coffee County native Martha Raye Watson, age 71, was born Jan. 17, 1954 and died April 2, 2025 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro following an extended illness.

A retired caregiver and member of the Church of Christ, she was the daughter of the late Willie and Ethel St. John Crouch. Mrs. Watson was married December 29, 1970 to Fred B. Watson, Jr. who preceded her in death. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by siblings, Donna McCormick, Richard Crouch and Ruth Rogers.

She is survived by sons, Fred B. Watson, III and David A. Watson (Sydney Brown) both of McMinnville; daughter, Tonia L. (Carlos) Copley of McMinnville; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; sister, Ann McCormick of the Smartt Station community and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service and interment will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Warren County with Wayne Cantrell to officiate. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.