November 11, 1940 – September 14, 2022
Melville Roger “Hot Shot” West, 81, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2022, at his
home in Denham Springs, Louisiana, surrounded by his family. Roger was born to the late
Edmond Clark West Sr. and Mae Belle Smiley West on November 11, 1940, in Denham Springs.
Roger graduated from Denham Springs High School in 1959.
He was an incredible athlete,
winning the State Championship in the broad jump and earning All-District and All-State honors
in basketball and football.
Roger was inducted to the Denham Springs High School Athletic Hall
of Fame in 2011.
However, his most prized accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Darnell Causey
West, on September 1, 1960.
Roger and Darnell were childhood sweethearts since the age of 10
and spent 62 years of marriage embodying the definition of love. Together, they spent their time
traveling, farming, and enjoying the company of family and friends.
Roger had a great passion
for his farm and spent much of his life working with his cattle and horses.
He was a good
neighbor to the entire community and was always the first to offer his help to those in need.
Roger’s greatest joy was his family.
He was predeceased by his beloved son, Roger Chance
West, brother, Edmond Clark West Jr., and sister, Sandra D. West.
He is survived by his wife
Darnell; daughter Wendi West Shelby and her husband William; grandchildren Brandi West
Cook, Joshlyn Shelby, J’Lynn Shelby, Chance West Shelby; great-grandchildren Gavin and
Natalie Cook; brother Robert “Bobby” West and his wife Gerrie; sister-in-law Judy (West)
Cunningham, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held at Amite Baptist Church, 7100 Amite Church Road, Denham Springs,
Louisiana, on Saturday, September 17, 2022, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm with the funeral service
to follow.
Burial will be held at Denham Springs Cemetery immediately following the funeral
service. Pallbearers include William Shelby, Chance Shelby, Gavin Cook, Cole Doiron, Anthony
Blount, and Jim Barksdale.
Honorary pallbearers are Bobby West, Alvia “Buddy” Fugler, Clint
Rabilais, Blane McElwee, and James Corkin.
The family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to Bro. Johnny Morgan, Live Oak Baptist
Church, Roger’s doctors Dr. Varnado and Dr. Marcell, and Clarity Hospice Care. Special thanks to Seale Funeral Home, especially Billy Seale and John Minton.
In lieu of
flowers, please send donations to Live Oak Baptist Church in memory of Roger “Shot” West at
https://liveoakbaptist.org/donate
. For further information, or to leave a condolence, please visit
https://sealefuneral.com/
.
10 comments
Stacy Hooge
October 12, 2022 at 4:10 am
I’m just finding out about this and I’m so saddened, I dearly loved “shot” and he knew it. Not only was he an amazing man but behind every good man stands an amazing woman (Mrs. Darnell) This entire family is just damn good people (today that’s hard to find) my prayers are with you all.. I’ll never forget him borrowing that shovel at the camp, and for years he tried to return it… “Mr. Shot I don’t need that shovel cause that means work, just keep it”😂
David "Possum" Miller.
September 21, 2022 at 1:50 pm
Darnell and Wendy, I am so sorry. Shot and you were great influences in my life.
Vera Childers Howard
September 19, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Darnel sending sincere sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Shot. W.C. and I always enjoyed being with you in our younger years. Praying the Lord will give you comfort and peace.
Judy Murray
September 17, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Darnell sending sincere sympathy to you and your family. I have always admired the love you two had for each other, I know he will be surely missed. Praying for you all.
Milli Bunch-Ballard
September 16, 2022 at 5:12 pm
I am so very sorry to hear of Hotshot’s passing. Darnell my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. You were so blessed to have him as many years as you did. God bless and know that he is in a good place.
Erma Lynne Satcher
September 16, 2022 at 3:36 pm
One of my favorite Shot stories from long ago had to do with how many BTUs a window air conditioning unit had. He said he didn’t care how many BTUs a unit had, he only wanted one big enough to cool his BUTT in a TUB. Another one was (and of course I don’t remember the circumstance he was referring to) that he didn’t care if it “hairlipped” everyone living on Hwy. 16 he was going to do whatever it was. Many good memories. In my opinion he was an expert horseman, cattleman, storyteller, and friend.
Sammy Woods and Barbara Woods
September 16, 2022 at 2:57 pm
The Woods family send their condolences to all of the West family. May God bless you and comfort you.
John Henry
September 16, 2022 at 2:59 am
He will be missed he was a man among men. Greatly admired him was always good to me and many others you will be missed my condolences to the family
John Henry
Pat & Sandy Welch
September 16, 2022 at 12:07 am
Hot Shot &I were neighbors & class mates all our years coming up along with Johnny Spring. We had a lot of fun together. Remember when Hot Shot & Darnell were dating. We will miss him greatly, now & for ever more. Love U Darnell. Pat & Sandy.
Cheryle King
September 15, 2022 at 7:29 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Roger passing away. I only met him a few times but he was always ready to say hi and ask about my day. Mrs. Darnell and family you have my deepest condolences.