Madison West
March 7, 1921 ~ March 24, 2009
West, Madison, 88, retired Wichita journalist died Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Services will be Saturday, March 28 at University Methodist Church, 2220 N. Yale at 1:30 PM. Born in Deerfield, Kansas March 7, 1921 to Frank and Nelle West, he graduated from Garden City Junior College in 1942. West began working as a reporter and photographer for The Wichita Eagle in 1943. Later he served as the Director of Information for the City of Wichita and Public Relations Director for Greater Downtown Wichita. West was the News Director at KTVH Television before returning to the Wichita Eagle in 1966. He became News Editor before retiring in 1984. West co-authored a handbook on local government used in the Wichita public schools and at the then University of Wichita. He was a patron of the Wichita Public Library, served as a precinct committeeman for the Sedgwick County Republican Central Committee, active Board Member of the Wichita Girl Scout Council, Cub Scout Pack Master, President of the Hi-Lo Investment Club, active member of Dellrose and University Methodist Churches, and member of the Kansas Canoe Association. West was a watercolorist and in retirement formed the Harmonica Hombres, a musical group that entertained at the Walnut Valley bluegrass Festival, Kansas State Fair, Wichitas Cowtown and various local venues. Madison is survived by his wife, Melvina of Wichita, daughter Karen and son-in-law Mike Margrave of Tulsa, son Ellis and granddaughter Alexandra of Houston, son Gregg, daughter-in-law Agnes Petillon Renoir and granddaughter Luciana of Grenoble, France, brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Carolyn of Nashville, brother Howard and sister-in-law Gweneth of Wichita, brother Duane and sister-in-law Orviletta of Garden City, and sister Janice Lee Trayer and brother-in-law Danny of Manhattan. Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Tributes may be sent to the family via ww.dlwichita.com
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
I am so sorry to hear of Madison’s passing. I remember so well he and Melvina playing the harmonica when our church group would go caroling at Christmas time. I believe it was the first time I had heard a harmonica played in person. My wife and I, Beth, would often call him ‘Cousin Madison’, since I am Gweneth’s nephew. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
He was a great and gentle man. A mentor to me who altered the course of my life with the simple gift of music. I truly enjoyed all the times I got to spend with him and Melvina. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life. Two truly beautiful people!
I am Sorry I will not be able to be with the family this weekend. But it is publication weekend and Like uncle Madison might say you can’t stop the news. Blaine is moving on to his schooling in Alabama and must report on Sat so we are packing his things for storage to wait for his move to FL. in June. You are all in my thoughts and all the memories of times together with the family although they are no to recent have been a comfort to me as I am sure they have been to you. As I called the kids each one remembered their Great uncle Madison in their own way and I am so happy that even though they did not have much time with him they each have one story, one memory of him. You are all in my thoughts Love Lori Ann
Our love and prayers go out to Melvina and family with the blessing that peace brings. Madison was a wonderful mentor to our son, Matt Jennings, teaching him his love of music and life. He will be missed, but will always be in our hearts.
I only knew him briefly, but I saw the pride in my grandfather’s eyes when he talked of his brother. My heart goes out to Melvina and to the rest of the West clan. May God be with you in your time of sorrow.
I met Madison and Melvina out at Cowtown and always enjoyed the chats we had. I loved hearing Madison’s views on a variety of things, including who Charlie Rose had on and all aspects of music. Melvina, I am sorry I could not attend the funeral as I live in Kansas City now. I sure do miss the chats you and I would have, as you always reminded me of my own grandma that I was very close with. I will keep you in my thoughts always. with love,
Madison and I worked together when I started at The Eagle and later The Beacon in 1971. I was right out of college. Madison was one of the people most instrumental in helping mold me as a journalist. To this day, I admire his ethics, standards and passion for the journalistic craft. Madison was a stand-up guy and a good friend. I’ll miss hearing him on the harmonica! We were snowed in today (the road grader still hasn’t come down our road north of Valley Center), but had intended to attend the funeral. Our best to his famlly.
In my brief contacts with Madison over the years I always had the sense that he was a special person so it is my loss that I never spent more time with him. Melvina and Ellis, I so regret that the road conditions today prevent me from being at his services. Warm memories will keep him alive in your hearts.
Noone knows the hours of enjoyment brought to our entire family from the teachings of the West’s music abilities to both our grandson (Matt Jennings) and our son (Doug Mann. Madison will be missed and many prayers will go out to his dear wife and family.
I enjoyed being in the Hi-Lo Investment Club with Madison. My deepest sympathy to your family. God will bring peace to your family during this time of loss. Larry Baum and Family
Howard and Gweneth – so very sorry to hear about your brother’s passing. We will be thinking about you.
So sorry for your loss. I have many great memories from when I was younger. Love to all
Melvina, I am thinking of you with love and sympathy.