Patrick Henry West, Jr., age 56, of Missouri Valley, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
Pat was born on Nov. 1, 1969, in Honey Creek, to loving parents Patrick and Sharon West. He graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1988, and began building a life rooted in hard work, family, and service.
Pat first married Angela Mander (Sears), and together they raised three wonderful sons: Patrick, Colten, and Wyatt. In 2008, Pat married Pam, the love of his life, and together they built a home filled with laughter, love, a little craziness, and countless memories. Even after the boys were grown, Pat and Pam stayed in Missouri Valley, dreaming of the quiet rural life they hoped to enjoy someday.
Pat devoted 36 years to the Douglas County Department of Corrections in Omaha, Neb. Starting as a Corrections Officer I in 1990, he worked his way up to Captain of Security in 2013. Pat was more than a leader; he was a mentor and a friend. His door was always open, whether someone needed advice, a place to vent, or just a good laugh on a rough day. His humor and sometimes brutal honesty made him a trusted presence in a stressful and serious environment.
Known for his generosity and determination, Pat could tackle any project with skill and good humor. He had a deep knowledge of vehicles, collectible firearms, and tools, and his interests were always changing. In recent years, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and attending gun shows. Pat had a passion for collecting unique bourbons. Whenever he discovered a rare or interesting bottle, he always bought two with one to enjoy and one to save. He loved his excavator and often talked about turning it into a retirement business. He even created a logo and ordered shirts for a company that did not yet exist. Pat also had a soft spot for animals, adopting his dog Laney in 2023 and caring for his “grand dog” Stubbs. Whether for people or pets, Pat always wanted to make life better, often surprising family and friends with tools or gadgets they didn’t know they needed, especially during his favorite holiday tradition of browsing the “stocking stuffer” aisles at Home Depot. Pat became an expert at smoking meats for family gatherings, with brisket being his specialty. Everyone who knew Pat knew meat was the centerpiece of every event.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick Sr. and Sharon West. He is survived by his wife Pam; sons Patrick (Amanda), Colten (Danny), and Wyatt (Andi); sister Gina Huber (Reece); brothers Darren West (April), Marty West (Chris), and Monte Hanel (Diane); along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.
We will miss his laughter, knowledge, and experience every single day. Pat’s favorite quote was “Jour de ma vie”, which translates to “Day of my life.” Pat would encourage all who knew and loved him to enjoy happiness in even just the simple pleasures or smallest things in everyday life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the Missouri Valley Eagles Club, located at 118 S 5th Street, Missouri Valley, Iowa, from 1-4 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., Mike Myers, Director of the Douglas County Department of Corrections, will share remarks, followed by a tribute from both the DCDC Honor Guard and the Omaha Police Department Honor Guard in recognition of Pat’s 36 years of dedicated service. Pat was instrumental in establishing the DCDC Honor Guard nearly a decade ago, making this salute especially meaningful. The ceremony will include a flag-folding presentation and a formal salute in his honor. We all know Pat wasn’t a formal type of guy, so after the Honor Guard tribute, we invite everyone to share their favorite stories or memories of Pat while enjoying some of his favorite foods.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
