Perry West

Born on April 21, 1938, in Deep Valley, WV a son of the late John and Louise (Lawlis) West. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, John W. West and an infant brother, James West.

He graduated from Mannington High School in 1956 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education from Salem College and his master’s degree in vocational education from Marshall University.

Perry’s teaching career spanned 37 years having taught at Follansbee High School and later at Brooke High School teaching industrial arts. He only left for one year to go back near to his home to Valley High School to teach. Having missed Brooke High School, he saw an opportunity to coach as well as teach seeing there was a need for being the head baseball coach which turned out to be a 36-year coaching job that turned into 460 wins for the school. He was awarded the 1987 O.V.A.C. Baseball Coach of the Year and in 1992 the Region One Baseball Coach of the Year. He also was an assistant football coach having coached various positions throughout the years helping the school to earn state A.A.A. Championship titles in 1985, 1987 and 1990. Perry had a connection to many of his students mentoring them and occasionally selling them a candy bar or two to help the baseball team. His wit and humor knew no boundaries from students to fellow teachers and friends and everyone he met throughout his life.