On July 30, 2024, John Kinney West of Sheridan passed away at the age of 77. John was born on October 24, 1946 and spent his early childhood life with his parents Ed and Esther (Connolly) at their homestead on Murphy Gulch until he was 3. The family then moved to Prairie Dog where they started a dairy. The dairy then moved to Beaver Creek where they stayed for 16 years. In 1964 they moved to Big Goose and continued West Dairy. John participated in 4-H during this time raising steers, wool sheep, and exhibiting his dairy heifers which began his interest and his love for 4-H and livestock fairs. After graduating from the University of Wyoming in 1971, John worked as the Agricultural Extension Agent in Lincoln County Wyoming and later became the Assistant State 4-H Leader. That same year, he married the love of his life and partner Bonnie (Bennion) on July 14, 1973. John and Bonnie then relocated back to Sheridan where they owned West Dairy while Bonnie taught school at Coffeen Elementary. John had two boys, Justin (Rindy) and Lance(Stacie) while owning the dairy until 1986. After the dairy, John worked in agriculture and extension for South Dakota State University and as an area feed specialist for the Farmers COOP in Gillette. When his mother took ill he returned to Sheridan and worked at Spring Creek Coal up until he retired in 2013. His love for family and livestock no matter what he was doing came through in all his endeavors. He didn’t know a stranger all across the country which served him well in life.

John took great pride in selecting, raising, and feeding livestock which he instilled in his kids. He also loved County Fairs, Wyoming State Fair, and just about anywhere he could take his family to be together. This included time spent on fishing trips to Sucker Creek in the Big Horns or even a quick trip to Kendrick Park for an ice cream cone.

John had an ornery personality and wasn’t always the easiest to get along with. His take it or leave it personality was his way of showing someone that he did care about them. He was quick to make jokes or find some sort of positivity though when he needed to for people. He had a kind heart and caring personality that always put others ahead of himself.

There are many fun stories that can be told of his shenanigans. From loading his hired helps vehicles with some grade one dairy fertilizer on their wedding nights to putting state fair carnival onions in other peoples lemonades, he was always up for some jesting, though he didn’t enjoy it as much when he was the benefactor of the joke. Those are memories amongst many that defined his heart and fun loving nature he possessed.

John is survived by wife Bonnie, son’s Justin (Rindy) of Sheridan, Lance (Stacie) of Cheyenne, and his five grandchildren Braden, Jhett, Wynn, Riley, and Reece. John loved 4H and FFA so a memorial account at First Northern Bank, 29 n Gould Sheridan WY 82801 is open in his name for benefit of the Sheridan and Burns FFA programs. The family appreciates all the love and support that has been shown to them.

Services will be held at a later date.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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