Myron Chester West

Captain West died of wounds received in action during the Battle of Château-Thierry. Captain Myron Chester West was a math teacher at Madison Central High School where he met his future wife, Vera Annice Campbell. They were married June 17, 1915. Their daughter, Adeline Jane West, was born on July 23, 1918, just days before Captain West was killed on Aug. 3, 1918 in World War I. When Adeline was approximately 7 years old, her grandfather Charles Campbell traveled by ship to France with his daughter Vera and granddaughter Adeline. They visited the grave of Captain West. On April 25, 1998, great grandson Ryan Cameron Cowan also visited his grave. The back of the grave marker reads, "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Poem written by Lieutenant Ryan Cowan for his Grandma A.J. Cowen's obituary, based on a Navy poem: Good Soldier, Good Father For many years, this Soldier stood the watch. While his little girl lay in her bed at night, This Soldier stood the watch. While she grew, making friends at school, This Soldier stood the watch. Through marriage, children, grand and great, This Soldier stood the watch. Through two great wars, happy times and sad, He stood the watch. This Soldier looked down and saw his family Often needing his guidance, but knew he must stay Because he had the watch. For many years he stood the watch, So that she and her countrymen could sleep soundly, Knowing that a Soldier would stand the watch. Today, we are here to say, "Good Soldier, you stand relieved. Your reunion is finally here." You've sheltered her with God's good grace, For a lifetime, for this day. You will finally hold your dear little girl— As a father, with our Father, Together forever, Amen.