Danville, Illinois - Danville - With grateful hearts, we celebrate the life of Michael Clyde West, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the age of 75. Mike was born on May 13, 1950, in Danville, Illinois to Clyde (Jr) and Lois West. He graduated from Oakwood High School in May 1968 and married the love of his life, Marietta Martin, on November 1, 1968. Mike lived a life rich in laughter, love, service, and the everyday joys that made him a steady and cherished presence to all who knew him.

Family was always at the center of who Mike was. A devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Son, he is lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Marietta; his son Troy Michael West (Trina Scott); his daughter Tracy (West) Ross and husband Brian; and his beloved grandchildren Jaren and Megan West, Jadyn West, Tobi West, and Callie and Caraline Ross.

Other family members surviving very special to Mike include his brother Lonnie and wife Marianne West, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Chuck and Brenda Martin and Suzy McCarthy as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mike is reunited in peace with his parents, his brothers Robert, Gary, and Dale, and his nephew Daren West.

Even in his retirement, it was important that Mike spend as much time with family and friends as possible. In 2016, he and Marietta relocated to Brenham, Texas to enjoy warmer weather in the Winter and be close to their daughter and her family, but they would spend their late Spring to early Fall in Danville giving them ample opportunities to catch up with their many family and friends in the Vermilion County area.

Quiet but steadfast, Mike lived his values through action. He showed up—always. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines, attending school programs, helping with projects, or simply offering encouragement, he gave his children and grandchildren the gift of consistent, unwavering presence. He led by example, emphasizing the importance of hard work, education or learning a trade, and living with integrity.

Mike was known for helping others whenever something needed fixing—because in his hands, nearly anything could be repaired. He was the first to buy raffle tickets, support local schools, and give to charities. His kindness was not loud, but it was constant.

During his 43 years in the Sheet Metal Trade, he was a member of Local 218C. Mike mentored many who were proud to work by his side. He was known for being tough but fair, holding himself and others to a high standard in service of doing the job right. His reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and leadership endured across decades and generations of tradespeople.

Mike was raised up as a Mason on August 10, 2002 and belonged to Prairie View Lodge No. 782 in Bismarck. He was a proud member of the Gao Grotto in Danville where he held multiple leadership roles.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Gao Grotto in Danville, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to bring a story or photo to share in remembrance of Mike's remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Prairie View Lodge No. 782 in Bismarck, IL, Gao Grotto in Danville, IL or AMBUCS Danville Chapter - organizations close to his heart.

We are thankful for every laugh, every lesson, and every warm goodbye. Mike taught us to love well, be generous, think of others, and live with integrity. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so fiercely and in the countless lives he touched along the way. We will carry his example forward—with gratitude, pride, and love.

Thank you to Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois for helping the West Family.