6/9/1968 – 6/27/2021
Lawrence
Willie David West was born on June 9, 1968 to the union of Willie Bert Franklin and Martha Ann (West) Davis in Hayti, Missouri.
David, to family, and “Big Will” to his friends, was raised and baptized at a young age at Brown Faith Temple C.O.G.I.C. in Alton, Illinois. David received part of his education from the Alton School District, before moving to Kansas and finishing his studies within the Lawrence Public School, where he also received his degree in Business Management and Bookkeeping. Upon graduation, he pursued his love for music and entertainment and became a music producer for various local artist, including The Heavyweights from Kansas City, and creating Poppin Bottles Entertainment.
David definitely knew how to throw a party, and enjoyed all types of genres of music as long as it had a catchy beat and a great message. He loved being surrounded by his grandkids, nieces and nephews while sharing his words of wisdom. David was also a sports fan. He truly enjoyed the atmosphere of a Super Bowl party, and he didn’t care who was playing.
David had a smile that could light up a room and an infectious laugh that will be forever etched in our hearts. He always said his greatest accomplishment in life was his children. They all carry his infectious smile and they all represent the best version of him.
Willie David West departed this life on Sunday June 27, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Dale Davis II.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents Martha Davis (Lawrence, KS) and Willie Franklin (Alton, IL); brothers Paul (Charmaene) Franklin (Portland, OR) and Patrick Davis (Lawrence, KS); sisters Catina Franklin and Yolanda Franklin (both of Lawrence, KS); his children Andre Newman, Willie David Donsha West, DeMarcus Stephen West, and Markeshia FayeAnne West all of Lawrence, KS. Godchildren Shina Smith and Shannon Smith (Clearwater, FL); Ebony Baxter (Kansas City, MO); Calandra Childs, Derrick Childs, and Alicia Childs all of Lawrence, KS. And special friends Chrisandra Baxter (Lawrence, KS) and Serita Criss (Jacksonville, IL).
Visitation services will be held on Thursday July 8,2021 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel located at 401 SW Harrison Topeka, KS 66603.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Friday July 9, 2021 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Praise Temple C.O.G.I.C. located at 315 E 7th Street Lawrence, KS 66046.
His Journey’s Just Begun
Don’t think of him as gone away—
his journey’s just begun
life holds so many facets
this Earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost—
and he was loved so much.
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