Matthew Rowe West, II, who fondly answered to "West", son of the late Matthew R. and Louise West was born on June 3, 1934, in Washington, D. C., and departed this life on November 10, 2018 at Vibra Hospital in Richmond, Va.  For over 50 years, he was united in holy matrimony to Rose Simmons of Arlington, Va.

At an early age, West attended Lomax AME Zion Church in Arlington, Va., and after moving to Caroline County, Va., he attended various churches  in Caroline. West was educated in the public school systems in Washington, D. C., and attended Georgetown University.  After completing his education, he became a managing engineer in D.C. and Va., for over 30 years, where he managed the construction of various hospitals, schools, and government buildings.

West was a community activist in Caroline County, and very active in the Democratic Party, served with Habitat for Humanity, and worked with the Registrar Board and other organizations there for over 25 years. He was an avid huntsman, having traveled throughout the country to hunt and fish.  He also enjoyed woodcarving, collecting automobiles and antique guns.

To characterize his personality, West was humorous and enjoyed making people laugh at his wit and jokes (which his wife, Rose, had to go behind him and clean it up at times)!  Family was very important to him.  He cherished his wife and children and made sure they had the necessities to make life enjoyable.  Hard work, honesty, good attitude and love for one another were some of the attributes he instilled in his family which contributed to their success.

He leaves with cherished memories, his wife, Rose; four sons, Matthew West, Jr. of Washington, D. C.; Darrick West and Barry West, both of Milford, Va.; and Martin (Jenny) West, of Richmond, Va.; two daughters, Stephany DeSue (Wenston) of Sarasota, Fl.; Paula Roberson (Kurt) of Sarasota, Fl.; fourteen grandchildren, Donte' Roberson (Stephanie); Cortney Roberson; Justin Roberson; Christina West; Kayla Roberson; Ana Davis (Demetris); Nia West; Demetrius Shaw; and Ian, Micaiah, and Noah DeSue; seven great-grandchildren, and two God-Children, Darlene Breeden and Mark Loving.  Three sisters, Gloria McCoy and Joyce Pollard of Jacksonville, Fl.; and Sandra Streeter (William), of Temple Hills, Md.; Mother-in-Law, Julia Simmons, Brother-In-Law, John Simmons (Gail) of Clarksville, Va., and two Sisters-in-Law Mary Watson of Springdale, Md.; Juanita Winkler of Arlington, Va.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be held 12:00 noon on Monday, November 19,2018 at St. Stephens Baptist Church, 29436 Sparta Road, Milford Virginia, 22514 with viewing one hour prior to the service. Reverend Willie T. Carter will be delivering the eulogy.