Chadrad.com

Origen Lewellyn West was born October 22, 1927 in Hay Springs, NE to Walter and Helen (Glover) West. Origen celebrated his independence from the pain of cancer on July 4, 2009 at the Gordon Memorial Hospital. He attended grade school in Clinton, NE and graduated from Gordon High School in 1945.

Origin joined the US Navy from 1945 until 1947. He worked on Navy computer systems on Treasure Island, CA. He was honoring discharged as Specialist One 3rd Class.

After returning to Gordon he met and married the love of his life, Iola Stethem, on Christmas Eve in 1947. To this union four children were born: Blaine, Randy, Michelle and Melissa.

Origen and Iola were married and Blaine was a toddler when they moved to Omaha in order for Origen to attend barber school. He received his license to barber in 1952.

Over Origen’s 50-year barbering career, he cut hair in Rushville, Hay Springs and Gordon. Origen bought the barbershop at 218 S. Main Street in Gordon in 1958 from Harry Holsinger in partnership with his younger brother Orvis. The West Brothers Barbershop was formed and the two brothers worked side-by-side for 17 years charging $.75 per haircut when they opened. On May 7, 2002 the NE Board of Barber Examiners awarded Origen a certificate of recognition for 50 years of barber service. Origen continued to cut hair in the same location for 58 years until May 2008.

Through his life his love for people and socializing was a special gift that came easy for Origen and a huge part of his love for the barber business. Hours and hours of time were spend playing cards in the barbershop as well as a hobby at home and during family gatherings. His children and nearly all his grandchildren looked forward to may card games with every visit.

Origen and Iola enjoyed multiple campers and RV’s over the years. They traveled to Yellowstone, Canada, Nashville, TN and many other destinations, but always returned to the Black Hills as their first love.

Dancing was also a large part of Origen’s life. He met Iola at a dance and they waltzed through the life beautifully. Origen got involved in the Gordon Square Dance Club, which was a hobby for years. He and Iola traveled the area dancing as well as Origen’s several engagements as the square dance caller.

People were a delight to Origen and he was a delight to them. He never met a stranger that wasn’t a friend. His fun and friendly personality left everyone with a smile. Origen was a great storyteller. With a history of listening to people in the barbershop, he had story after story to tell shared with much laughter and joy.

Wife- Iola West.

Children- Blaine (Karna) West of Columbus, NE; Randy (Louise) West of Denver, CO; Michelle (James) Jackson of Saratoga, CA; Melissa (Rex) Farmer of Seward, NE.

Grandchildren- 9
Great Grandchildren- 6

Brothers- Merlin West of Las Vega, NV; George West of Edgemont, SD.

Sister- Kathleen Wolfe of Salt Lake City, UT.