Pine Prairie educator, musician West dies at 51

PINE PRAIRIE -- Pine Prairie said goodbye to educator and music legend Shane West last Saturday.
West, 51, became well known through the lives he touched as a Physical Education teacher in Evangeline Parish public schools as well as through his music career that lasted nearly four decades.
After graduating from McNeese State University in 1988 with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Adapted Physical Education, West began his teaching career teaching physical education to handicap children in the parish he called home, Evangeline.
West, born Christopher Shane West, worked as a teacher by day and then transformed into a musician by night where he was able to fulfill his dream of being a country musician.
As a musician, West became well known from playing in local clubs and at festivals such as his hometown’s annual Boggy Bayou Festival. West’s music career also allowed him to open up for acts such as Joe Stampley, Billy Joe Royal, and Wayne Toupes.
As his career continued, West also found himself and his former band, Shane West and La. 13, touring with the likes of Martin Delray and Johnny Rodriguez.
Early on in the country music singer’s career, West spent 10 months in Nashville, Tennessee making his hometown proud by having six songs published, cutting demos, and even being invited to sing at Opryland.
After his time in Nashville, the country music singer returned home to continue growing his family with his wife Nanci Johnson West. The couple had three children together: Branigan, 29; Dayne, 24; and Madaline, 22.
During his music career, West had an album released titled Shane West and became known for his song If I Had My Way.
West passed away at his home Saturday after battling Mesothelioma since the spring of 2011. He said goodbye in his hometown, while being completely surrounded by the people who loved him most, his family.
West’s family and friends paid their final respects to the country singer Monday, December 28, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Pine Prairie. The following day, the funeral service began at 1:00 p.m., and was followed by the burial at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
West will forever be famous in a small town and will remain in the hearts, minds, and on the music play list of his family, friends, and fans.