Gary Lynn West, age 77, of Hickory, KY passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee

Gary Lynn West was born in Mayfield, KY in 1947 to John Paul and Charlene West. Raised in northeastern Graves County Kentucky, Gary spent most of his life living within just a few miles of where he was born. Gary loved his family, his farm, and his life in Dogwood. Gary was a graduate of Symsonia High School, class of 1965. After high school Gary began working at General Tire in Mayfield and then joined the U.S. Army, transferring to the Reserves where he remained active for the next 20 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. In 1974, Gary attended basic training and became a Kentucky State Trooper where he served his community for 22 years. Following his retirement from the state, he took a position with the Benton City Police Department and served there for 12 years, serving the last 7 years as Chief of the department. Upon finally retiring from public service, he spent the last several years of his life working on his cattle farm and fulfilling his duty as patriarch of his family.

Gary is survived by his son, Paul (Cheryl) West of Mayfield; his daughter, Lori (Jeremy) Grantham of Boaz; one brother, John Phillip (Stephanie) West of Hickory; eight grandchildren, Kobe (Codi) Burnett of Hickory, Kade Burnett (Sidney) of Hickory, Conner (Amber) West of Mayfield, Shane (Michelle) Walker of Hickory, Taylor Grantham of Farmington, Luke Grantham of Boaz, Finley Grantham of Boaz and Grayson Grantham of Boaz; and four great grandchildren, Bryar Burnett, Blake Burnett, Miles Walker and Willow Walker. He is also survived by his companion Jan Johnson of Mayfield.
Gary was an active member of Family Church of Christ in Benton for many years serving on various groups serving the church, including assisting with a new building in Draffenville for the church family. He was a member of the KSP retirement group and a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he successfully recovered for 38 years. He attended Mule Day in Columbia, TN for more than 16 years where he developed many friendships that lasted for many years. One of his closest friends in life came from those Mule Day trips. Vern Payne became an instant family member, attending Thanksgiving meals, and being with members of the family during trying times.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul and Charlene Schmidt West. He was also preceded in death by Mr. Payne.

Funeral services for Gary Lynn West will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Byrn Funeral Home in Mayfield, KY. John Dale and Andy Walker will officiate. Interment will follow at Spring Creek Church of Christ Cemetery.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by American Legion Post # 26.

Pallbearers will be Kobe Burnett, Kade Burnett, Conner West, Robert Davis, Jeff Daniel and Tracy Watwood. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Phillips, David Schmidt, Jackie Schmidt, Hernan Martinez, Jeff Schmidt, Joey Schmidt, Greg Phillips, KSP Troopers and Benton City Police Officers.

Kentucky State Police Honor Guard will be standing guard at the casket and presenting colors to the family.

Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the funeral home.