Tom West

Vernon Thomas “Tom” West, age 85, of Knoxville, Tennessee, died Friday, December 6, 2024. Tom was born to the late Vernon Herrell and Connie M. (Waugh) West at the family home in Claxton, TN, February 2, 1939. 

Tom graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1957. He was a member of Olivet Baptist Church, Knoxville. 

Tom was a Shriner and a member of Powell Masters Lodge #244 F&AM. He was a welder and a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge # 435, Knoxville. 

Throughout his life, Tom enjoyed his family and many friends, hunting and fishing, storytelling, creating special welding projects, reading, history, and music at Ciderville Music Barn in Claxton. 

In his latter years, he enjoyed his growing family; planning and attending Clinton High School Class of ‘57 reunions; meeting his Boilermaker friends for monthly breakfasts at Cracker Barrel; keeping up with the news, and telling even more stories.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters Wilma Sue Roop and Carol Beth Travis.

Tom is survived by his wife of 31 years, Alma Thompson West; Son and daughter-in-law, Thomas “Craig” and Elaine West of Crossville, Tennessee; Grandchildren, Autumn (Jared) Hanline of Charlotte, NC, Thomas “Cody” (Marcey) West of Guntersville, AL, and Aspen (Thomas) Anderson of Charlotte, TN; and Great-grandchildren Elleni, Tripp, and Josie Anderson; and Thomas “Wyatt” West; Beloved nephew and nieces Rob Wampler, Patsy Burnett, and Lisa Travis; and special cousins, David West and Larry Waugh.

He also is survived by step-children Terri (Joe) Moore; Waylon Payne, Jr.; Jason Payne, and Jonathan Payne; step-grandchildren Monica Morris, Liam Payne, and Samuel Payne; several other step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great grandson.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 1:30 pm Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel.

A Masonic service conducted by The Masters Lodge #244 F&AM, and a funeral service officiated by Reverend Sam Ensor, will follow. Interment immediately afterward at Bells Campground Cemetery, Powell.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mynattfh.com.