Karl Grove West

Karl Grove West, resident of Pensacola, FL, and Petersburg, PA, passed away May 1 5, 2024, in

Pensacola, FL. Born in Altoona, Pa, October 26, 1937, to Carl Caveny West, and Helen Grove West.

Until the outbreak of WWII, Karl spent his early years in Pennsylvania. His father's entry into the Navy soon found them living in California before moving to Florida as the war concluded and military draw down began. The family chose to make Pensacola their home for the duration of Karl's school years.

In the autumn prior to graduation from Pensacola High School, and on his 1 7th birthday, Karl was sworn into the United States Naval Reserve by his father, Lieutenant Commander C.C. West, USNR (ret.). Karl remained a reservist for seven years while attending and gredueting from Auburn University in 1959, with a Major in Science and Minor in Education, as well as his time as a Physics and Biology teacher at Escambia High School.

In the summer of 1960, Karl married the former Elinor "Lynn" Agurkis who was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps by her father, LT John R. Agurkis, USNR (ret.).

In October of 1961 , during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Karl was called to Active Duty and reported aboard the USS Tweedy (DE-532), as a Boatswain's Mate First Class. This experience solidified his desire to continue a career in Naval Service.

By January of 1962, he entered the Aviation Officer Candidate Program at Naval Avietion Schools Command, NAS Pensacola. Awarded his Naval commission as an Ensign by his father in June of that year, Karl subsequently entered Naval Aviation Pre-Flight Training School at Sherman Field aboard NAS Pensacola. He was awarded his Naval Aviation Observer wings, the precursor to Naval Flight Officer wings, in January 1963.

Reporting to "The Mustard Cutters" of VS-39 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island flying the

Grumman S-2 "Tracker," a carrier based antisubmarine warfare aircraft, he was part of the initial cadre of Aviators given the task of evaluating the requirement of adding the Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) for the new Lockheed S-3A "Viking," a carrier based ASW jet aircraft being introduced to the Fleet.

In 1964, Karl made the transition to the Lockheed P-3 "Orion," en ASW long range submarine patrol aircraft, and was assigned to the "War Eagles" of VP-16 at NAS Jacksonville, FL. Not limited to flying, Karl's naval career also included Instructor Duty at the NJROTC program at the University of Virginia where he also obtained his Masters Degree in Education. He was later assigned as

Admiral's Aide to RADM Tazewell Shepard, Jr. USN, aboard the USS Wasp (CVS-1 8); Instructor at VT10 at NAS Pensacola; returned squadron life with the "Pro's Nest" of VP-30 & the "Bet Squad" of VP24 at NAS Jacksonville. In 1977, he returned to Naval Aviation Schools Commend in Pensacola for

Instructor Duty, later assigned in 1980 as the Combat Systems Officer on the USS Lexington (AVT16). His twilight tour was as the Assistant Director of Schools Command efter which he retired to civilian life in June 1983.

Post retirement, Karl and Lynn split their time between in their home in Pensacola where they maintained an active membership in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, including a term as Exalted Ruler of Lodge #2108, and at the family cabin in Rothrock State Forest, PA, relaxing end reconnecting with their beloved Diamond Valley each summer and fall.

Karl was a Christian by faith, attending Crever Memorial Methodist Church in Petersburg, and Hope

United Methodist Church in Alexandria, PA, his mother's birthplace. He wes a member of the Juanita County Ministerium, and supported various outreach programs with additional eree churches.

He was a strong supporter of the Petersburg community, its beautification and improvement. He served as one of the Directors of the Petersburg Community Development Association, worl<ing on several of the PCDA projects over the years including the WWII Civil Defense Monument, erecting borough signs, Holiday streetlamp decorations, and T-shirt fundraisers. Karl's perticipation was low key, behind the scenes, lending his support where possible. Whether it was worl<ing with his church to provide free lunches to school children during summer vacation, obtaining beds for children in the county foster system that they could call their own, contributing to local Emergency Medical Service projects, funding Eagle Scout projects, supporting Police Camp Cedets Week held at his beloved Camp Blue Diamond, or many small acts of kindness, he readily gave back to the community he loved so well.

Karl's final orders home to Zion have been carried out. Until all reunited upon the seme heavenly shore, those he leaves behind to tend the home fires are his daughters Shannon K. West, Dawna Jimenez-Rojo, her husband CDR Jorge Jimenez-Rojo, USN(ret.), Karl's son TSGT Shawn P. West, USAF(ret.), his wife Renee. To his grandchildren Victoria Jimenez-Rojo Kerins (Matt), Michael S.

Jimenez-Rojo, Shannon K. Jimenez-Rojo, Leyla Alexandria West, and Shawn C. West (Mary Elizabeth) he will always be their "GrinDaddy."

Karl will long be remembered by family and friends as the Mayor of Diamond Valley and Keeper of the Meadow. His generous nature, his knowledge, and his love will be celebrated as a life well lived with a service at Crever Memorial United Methodist Church in Petersburg, on October 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Interment immediately following at Alexandria Presbyterian Cemetery, Alexandria, PA. Both services are open to all who knew and respected him. Pastor Jacqueline A. Clabaugh will officiate. 

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