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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
Thomas Norman Theiss, Sr., 77
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Published: Apr 2, 2025, 10:13 PM

Thomas Norman Theiss, Sr. was born May 24, 1947 and went home to be with Jesus on Friday afternoon, March 28, 2025. He was born and lived in Michigan for 45 years and then moved to McMinnville, Tennessee for the last 32 years.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Donald and Caroline Filipowski Theiss; brother, Donald Theiss and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Eula Presley.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 51 years, Glenda Marie Presley Theiss; children, Susan (Mark) Long, Brandy Perez, Cindy Hale, Gwendolyn (Richard) Holt, Tammy Norma Theiss, and Tommy Norman Theiss, Jr.; grandchildren, Sean, Gabriel, Jaylen, Gavin, Tommy Ray, Hannah, and Diane; great-granddaughters, Lea and Luci; sisters, Cheryl (Butch) Galyon, Lorry Cantrell, Debra Prokoff; brother, Larry (Carolyn) Theiss; many sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, serving the Lord as well as playing games with the children, cooking and eating wild meat. He really enjoyed his church family at Peoples Pentecostal Church, where he faithfully attended.

Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Peoples Pentecostal Church with his pastor, Michael Hewell and Jay Young officiating and burial will follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., Monday 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. al visitation at Peoples Pentecostal Church.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Theiss family.