Harold received his early education at Drew Central Schools. There he was a member of several clubs. In 1958, he attended Boys State, an immersive program in civics education designed for high school juniors. Harold was an All-Star basketball player in 1959. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and completed his B.S.E. at University of Arkansas at Monticello.
He had an interesting and diverse career: working for the Soil Conservation Service, Burlington Industries, construction, and Life and Casualty of Tennessee. In 1969, he was a leading agent for Land C Insurance. Mr. West taught a decade at Drew Central School and drove a school bus most of those years. He was retired from the Arkansas National Guard. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Monticello.
Mr. West was a Drew County Judge for two terms and Mayor of Monticello for four terms. While Mayor, he served as District 4 Vice-President, first Vice- President, and then President of the Arkansas Municipal League. During that time, he was a member of the Southern Municipal League and the Transportation Infrastructure Service Committee. Lake Monticello was built during West's tenure and named by him. He was a man with strong principles and high work ethics. He was very generous and loved helping people.
During his career, he received many honors. The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police named him Mayor of the Year in 1999. He was admitted to the Drew Central Hall of Fame for outstanding citizenship and exemplary graduate in 2010. He was given the President's Award by the Arkansas Department of Human Service in 2002. He was honored by the Willowe Institute one year.
Harold had many hobbies: golf, fishing, and woodwork. He became a licensed private pilot and flew family, friends, and business associates to many locations. The "Mow Man" was very particular about his Tifton Bermuda grass. Traveling was part of his retirement. Family and friends were very important to him. He will be missed by many people.
He is survived by Jan, his wife of 54 years; daughter, Janna Threlkeld (Kevin); son, Chuck West (Sandy Longhorn); granddaughters, Katie and Abby Threlkeld; and sister, Shirley Matheny (Clyde).
Visitation will be Friday, July 16, 2021, 6:00 8:00 p.m., in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Funeral Services will be Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Monticello, Arkansas, with Military Honors.
Memorials my be given to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello or The Arkansas Children's Hospital.
Condolences(37)
Cheryl Wilson
Southfield, MI Tuesday, July 27, 2021 Mr, West taught me at Drew central School and was my favorite teacher. Was very nice person and good teacher to all his students. Thanks you Mr, West ..RIPBridgett Grays
ft.hill, AR Sunday, July 25, 2021 Mrs. West so sorry for your loss!!!Betty Adcock Boring
Euless,, TX Monday, July 19, 2021 Our deepest sympathy from the Adcock family.Harold was such a good friend to my family.
It was a pleasure to have him in our circle of friends and a delight to have him visit in our homes.
Margie Chambers Irbe
Rock Springs, AR Saturday, July 17, 2021 Jan, I have such good memories of Harold from the Drew Central days. Harold was such a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Blessings, Margie Chambers IrbeStan Pryor
Maumelle, AR Saturday, July 17, 2021 Mrs, West, Chuck, and Family,I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all.
Vickey Haycox
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 17, 2021 Mrs. Jan, I am just seeing this and so sorry to hear it. Mr. Harold was a great math teacher, mentor, encourager and friend. Monticello and Drew County has lost a great man and friend. Praying God’s love, comfort and peace over you and the family. Love always.Beth Thurman
, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Fine man left this earthly world. He loved his family tons and was a friend on whom you could depend. Life won’t be nearly as much fun without Harold D. in it. Mr. Bud & Mrs. Jessie are excited to see him in heaven. What a day of rejoicing it mud be.God watch over Jan and Chuck and Jana & Katy & Abby.
Patricia Royals Jenkins
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Will be missed by all.Jimmy and Donna Hill
Monticello, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. Harold was a great man and friend. He will be missed by many.Love,
Jimmy & Donna
Josh Frost
Fayetteville, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Mrs. Jan and family; I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Harold. He was a great friend and mentor to me for many years. I have wonderful memories of spending time in his office visiting or in a chair in his drive at home, discussing politics and the reasons to and not to participate. He could tell a great story and could always be counted on for a laugh. My prayers are you you all during this time as I know he will be greatly missed by many.Jacqueline Block Robinson
, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Mr. West was my math teacher at Drew Central. He was a great teacher and a very considerate person. Mr. West will be greatly missed. I am praying for the family.MARILYN E MATTHEWS
North Little Rock, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 To the West Family - Harold was an AWESOME Mess Sergeant for the 1122d Transportation Company in Monticello. He had such a great personality and he was fair to all. God bless you all during this time of loss. Harold was a good guy!!!!Danny Chambers
Bellville, TX Friday, July 16, 2021 Jan, prayers for all and how fortunate we have been to have Harold be a part of our lives and I feel extra blessed to have known him as a friend these many, many years. You just don't need as many friends when you have one like HaroldDennis Wells
Springdale, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Jan, Sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He was a very nice person. He will be missed by many. Dennis WellsTiara Robinson
Greenbriee, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Janna please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Blessings to all of you.Gloria Schwab
Bentonville, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Jan & family , I’m so sorry for your loss . Dad sure thought a lot of Harold. Hugs and prayers 🙏Janie Rabb .Larry Fuller
Haymarket, VA Friday, July 16, 2021 Jan & Family,We are so sorry. Harold was a good friend of ours & so many more people. He was a good Christian Man!
May God grant you comfort.
Janie & Larry Fuller
Steve Wells
Udall, KS Friday, July 16, 2021 Jan, Janna and Chuck,My thoughts and prayers are with you. Harold was awesome and will be missed.
Debbie Burton
Green Hill, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Wonderful man, teacher, mentor. Mrs. West, I am so sorry for your loss. Much Love, Debbie BurtonMark&mary Withers
North Little Rock, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 We are so sorry about the passing of Harold, he was a good mayor , Jan and family y'all are in our prayers 🙏Lavern Rice
Warren, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 I am sorry to hear of Harold's passing. He was a good man and served Drew County well.Leon
Ashdown, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 To the family of Harold, I am sorry for your loss. I knew Harold many years ago. For sure he will be missed by many.Robert Moore
Monticello, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 I admired this man Mr. West, sorry for your loss Mrs. Jan, Janna and Chuck.Mark McElroy
Tillar, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Harold was the perfect example of a public servant! He loved Monticello and Southeast Arkansas. It was a pleasure serving along beside a true leader, that put the people first. He will be missed but his work will never be forgotten.Mark McElroy State Representative District 11
Valerie Chapman Carter
Crossett, AR Friday, July 16, 2021 Dear family,You have my deepest sympathies. Mr. West was a wonderful man. I have many fond memories of him. May God richly bless and comfort you all. I’m praying for you.
Sincerely,
Valerie Chapman Carter
Drew Central Class of “81”
Mary Faye King
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Harold West was a good, kind man. My condolences and thoughts go out to Jan and their kids. The world will be a sadder place for so many without Harold in it.Penny Heyman (Fore)
Lebanon, MO Thursday, July 15, 2021 Not only was Mr West one of my teachers he also was my bus driver at one point. He was a very special person. He will be missed by many. Sending prayers for his family and friends, so sorry for your loss.Cheri Rash (Simpson)
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Mrs. West and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man, never without a smile or kind word for any and all he saw. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Kim & David Hoffman
Roland, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Jan and Family,We are so saddened to hear of Harold’s passing. He was a great guy and will be missed by everyone that knew him. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Jennifer Marter Gavin
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Mrs. West, I am so very sorry. I've always thought the world of both you and Mr. West, you two made a positive impact on my life. I'll never forget the time Mr. West chased me around the classroom for a paddling because I sat on a desk top in math class and he never got out of his rolling desk chair! Yes, I did get that paddling in front of the entire class! I have a lot of good memories of him in school. I pray that God gives you comfort and peace during this time. Lots of love and prayers for you.Jennifer Marter Gavin
Ann Rabb Curry
Pearland, TX Thursday, July 15, 2021 Jan: so sorry to read about Harold. Prayers to you and your family.Ann and Jamie
Trudy Tucker Carrington
Rowlett, TX Thursday, July 15, 2021 Mrs. West and Family,Mr. West was one of my most beloved teachers in High School. Always had a smile and kind words for his students. I have not seen him in many years but still think of him kindly. So very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Trudy Tucker Carrington
David Matheny
Springdale, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Jan, Chuck, and Jana, so sorry for your loss. My the Peace of Jesus surround you and your families during this season. Rest in the assurance that Harold is in a place that our minds cannot even imagine, and is free of sickness and pain.Ken Ouellette
Monticello, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 I had a lot of respect for Harold, he will be missed. He was the best mayor this city ever had. Prayers go to the family.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Jan,I am so very sorry to hear about Harold. He was always such fun in school, college, and a good friend. Harold truly loved life and was loved by all. I pray God surrounds you with his loving arms to give you peace and comfort. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love & sympathy,
Janice
Bonita Yount
Dumas, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 Mrs Jan, so sorry to hear about my Mayor West passing. He will always be my favorite Mayor. He was kind and would take time to talk to you about anything. I will miss him. Praying for the family members.Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Thursday, July 15, 2021 I’m so sorry, long time Friend