Gary Wayne West, 71 of Independence, MO passed away Friday, July 20, 2018 at his residence. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO 64052. The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m., until service time Monday at the chapel. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in the Old New Garden Cemetery in Wood Heights, MO Donations may be made in his name to Prostate Cancer Foundation or the KC Area Bluegrass Music Club, at KCABMC, c/o Russell Lewis, 2717 Reynolds, Independence, MO 64055. Gary was born October 13, 1946 in Independence, MO to Claude H. and Mary Margaret (Gannon) West. He grew up in the Fairmount community and was an active member of Mount Washington Baptist Church. He had worked at the GM Leeds Plant from 1966 until the plant closed in 1989 and the GM plant in Janesville, WI from 1989 until he retired in 2004. Lifelong friendships were forged at GM and he is the most recent past president of the Leeds Salaried Retiree Club. He was a lover of bluegrass music and played with Rock River Revival while living in Janesville. The Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, KS was attended by Gary and his "bluegrass pals" for over 40 years. His favorite days always involved playing music with his friends. Retirement allowed Gary and Terri the joy of traveling and the other love of his life was being with his grandchildren whenever and wherever possible. He is survived by: his loving wife of 50 years, Terri of the home; daughter, Kimberly Lynch of Independence, MO; son, Alex West and wife Pam of Independence, MO; grandchildren, Annali and Tyler; brother, Charles West and wife Glenna of Independence, MO; brother-in-law, Mike Green of San Benito, TX; sister- and brother-in-law, Kathie and Dan Paige of Rayville, MO and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel (816) 252-7900)