Melville Roger “Hot Shot” West

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

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