Wish Upon a Star Executive Director Dies at Age 64

JOLIET, IL — The Wish Upon a Star Foundation Executive Director Don Carlton West, Jr., has passed away. He was 64.

West passed away Sunday, Dec. 4 at his home, according to his obituary.

He is survived by his son Anthony Nicholas “Booter” (Stephanie) West of Channahon; grandchildren Wyatt Cooper and Levi James West; Girlfriend Marjorie Monte of Joliet; sister Ella Staats of Parkersburg, WV; former wife Delle West of Joliet; numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Donald Carlton West III; parents Donald C. and Vada (Core) West Sr.; brother Ronald E. West; sisters Mary Lou Morris and Helen Daugherty.

West was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, but lived in Joliet most of his life, according to his obituary. He was a graduate of Joliet West High School and later became executive director of the Wish Upon a Star Foundation of Joliet.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, with Rev. Burke Masters officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Wish Upon A Star Foundation of Joliet, 1312 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, IL 60435

photo courtesy of the BLACKBURN-GIEGERICH-SONNTAG F.H. LTD