The Rev. Dr. Norman Evans West, Jr.

Norman Evans West, Jr., minister emeritus of West Point Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), died July 12. He was born July 30, 1927, in Hagerstown, Maryland, and received his early education there. Upon enrollment at Lynchburg College in 1945, he discovered that he was about to be drafted and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he served as a bandsman. Following military service, he returned to Lynchburg and received his undergraduate degree in 1950.

At Lynchburg College Norman met and married Mary Vallie Elliott, a fellow student. While Norman pursued graduate education at Lexington Theological Seminary and served a part-time student pastorate in California, Kentucky, the newlyweds worked at a variety of jobs to make ends meet. He was ordained in 1953, and upon graduation from Lexington, the Wests moved to Pennsylvania for a full-time ministry with the Canoe Camp-Covington Pastoral Unity, two small churches located three miles apart. After eight years of service to these yoked congregations, Norman was called to the West Point Christian Church in 1962. There he would spend the next thirty years, until his retirement in August 1992.

Shortly after Norman West's arrival in Virginia he became chaplain of the West Point Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, a post he would retain until his death and the first of many public service roles he would play in the community. He also served on the West Point Town Council for ten years and was a past-president of the West Point Kiwanis Club. From 1990 through 1998 he represented New Kent County on the board of Rappahannock Community College, serving as vice chair, 1994-96, and chair, 1996-98. During his lengthy ministry in West Point he served for five years on the regional board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia, acting as regional moderator from 1987 to 1989.

Encouraged by West Point Christian Church to pursue further education, Norman returned to Lexington Theological Seminary, where he received the degree of Doctor of Ministry in 1977. He then led the hundred-year-old congregation through a period of unprecedented growth, which culminated in construction of a new church building and its dedication in 1986.

Following his retirement, he remained active in ministry, serving as interim pastor for First Christian Church, Hampton; Hilton Christian Church, Newport News; Philippi Christian Church, Deltaville; and Smyrna Christian Church in King and Queen County. He also did supply preaching for numerous other congregations.

Norman West was known for his thoughtful sermons, quick wit, jovial good humor, and gentle nature. He leaves his wife of 61 years; daughter Terry Hey and her husband, Rick, of Kenly, North Carolina; son Timothy of Mathews County; granddaughters Meagan Hey Bladen and Jessica West Musante; and great-grandson Damian Musante.