Paonia, CO - Carl West, age 79, of Paonia, Colorado, passed away on May 6, 2026, after a short illness, with his wife, Robyn, by his side.

Born on September 14, 1946, in Brownwood, Texas, Carl lived a life marked by integrity, craftsmanship, and quiet strength. He served his country with honor in the United States Navy from 1966 through 1970, a period that allowed him to see many ports around the world. During his service aboard the USS Independence, he worked in shipboard maintenance, repairing pumps, aviation fuel systems, and flight deck equipment. It was during these years that he was exposed to the craft that would shape his future — welding, a skill he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

After his military service, Carl built a long and respected career in welding, manufacturing, and aircraft fabrication. He worked for General Electric, Gardner Denver, and Span Instruments, steadily expanding his expertise in advanced welding processes, inspection, and precision fabrication.

In 1983, Carl joined E Systems in Greenville, Texas, which later became Raytheon then L 3 Communications. Over more than two decades there, he served as an Aircraft Welder, Sheet Metal Processor, and ultimately a Heat Treat and Inspection Specialist. His work included fabricating aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium aircraft components; performing heat treat operations; and conducting hardness and conductivity testing. His deep knowledge of welding, metallurgy, and inspection standards made him a trusted expert and mentor to many. Carl retired from L 3 in 2006.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Carl's career was his time as a welding instructor at Eastfield Community College in Dallas, where he taught from 1978 to 1985. He shared both the science and the art of welding, teaching basic and advanced courses and helping countless students build the foundation for their own careers. Passing on his knowledge was something he took great pride in, and many welders began their journey in his classroom.

Beyond his work and service, motorcycles were a lifelong passion for Carl. He began building them as a teenager and never stopped — creating and riding with the same precision and joy he brought to every part of his life. He passed that passion on to his sons as well, instilling in them the same love for engines, craftsmanship, and the freedom of the open road. It became a bond they shared across the years and miles, rooted in grease, grit, and countless hours in the garage.

Carl was the proud father of three children from a previous marriage. His daughter Holly passed away from leukemia when she was very young, a loss he carried with quiet strength throughout his life.

Carl later married the love of his life, Robyn, and together they shared 29 years of partnership, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Carl is survived by his wife, Robyn, two sons, Claude (wife Kim), Matt (wife Marla), grandchildren, Madison, Aiden and Levi. Carl is also survived by his sisters, Fedia Cox and Denise Daniel, and his brother, Gordon West.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Holly, his grandson Tyler, and by his parents, Marvin and Opal West.

Carl will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.