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photo by Hannah Reel
West Funeral Home director Theodore “Bubber” West expresses his regrets for the three counts of fraud he pleaded guilty to while giving his final address to the court before receiving his sentence at the Circuit Court Thursday.
West enters guilty plea, sentenced
Published Friday, July 30, 2010
NATCHEZ — Theodore “Bubber” West wanted a chance to right his wrongs to the Natchez community, and in Adams County Circuit Court Thursday, Judge Forrest “Al” Johnson gave him that chance.
West, 60, pleaded guilty to three counts of conversion of pre-need funeral funds, a felony crime. Conversion charges mean West, as operator of West Funeral Home, was not in compliance with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office requirement to place a percentage of the funds received from customers for future funerals into a trust account of a financial institution.
Johnson sentenced West to 10 years for each count to run concurrently. He will serve one year house arrest, five years formal probation and four years informal probation.
Photo by Hannah Reel
Judge Forrest “Al” Johnson listens to attorney Hal Dockins' objection in court Thursday. Dockins is the attorney for Theodore “Bubber” West. He objected to the attorney general bringing victim Diane Butler to the stand to testify during West’s court appearance in Adams County Circuit Court Thursday. Judge Johnson overruled the objection saying that the victim had the right to give her testimony.
“You are 60 years old and have health problems,” Johnson said to West. “I don’t see any purpose in making you serve time behind bars.
“I don’t see how that serves justice or society. It would be better to give you a chance to make this right, and I believe you will make efforts to do that.”
West has 30 days to pay restitution in the amount of $12,200 to the victims of the three counts, Diane Butler, Helen Owens and Jesse Winston, or West could be charged with contempt of court.
“This has to be done,” Johnson said to West. “You do whatever it takes to raise this money.
“This is serious. Butler and the other victims are entitled to the peace of mind in knowing their funeral arrangements will be taken care when they do pass on.”
Butler, who paid West $6,000 for a pre-need funeral policy and did not know she had been wronged until she read about it in the newspaper, said she was satisfied with the outcome.
“I’m just glad to be getting my money back, so I can make arrangements elsewhere,” Butler said. “I don’t have anything against the West family. Our families have been friends for years.”
Special Assistant Attorney General Marvin Sanders prosecuted the case, and called to the stand Dave Scott, who is the assistant secretary of state in charge of regulation including the pre-need funeral policy.
Scott said West did not have a license with the secretary of state to sell pre-need funeral policies, and that the secretary of state’s office sent the funeral home two cease and desist letters.
From Jan. 1, 2002 to 2008, Scott said West Funeral Home had sold approximately 80 policies without a license to do so. Scott said Jan. 1, 2002, was when the secretary of state started regulating pre-need funeral policies.
From the secretary of state’s perspective, West owes $91,107 during this period.
West, however, said he only owes $19,000 in outstanding pre-need claims.
West said it all started in 2001 when he had a heart attack, and he continued to struggle with poor health and a sinking economy.
“The economy in Natchez is so down, that is difficult for people to just keep the lights on and other overhead services,” West said.
When it came time to establish the trust funds for these cases, West said the money just wasn’t there.
“This money intermingled with the business money until the end of the month when I had to establish the fund,” West said.
West said he was sorry to the people of Natchez.
“I’m sorry for the embarrassment this has caused to the community,” West said. “I am sorry to Mrs. Butler, her sister and her father. I have no ill feelings toward them.
“I just want a chance to make things right.”
West, a former city alderman, maintains that he could still be a capable businessman.
“You can’t name one person who came to me to be serviced who didn’t receive a funeral,” West said. “I’ve tried to be a good citizen, and I’ve served this community to the best of my ability.”
Hal Dockins, West’s attorney, said West was appreciative of the outcome.
“We appreciate Judge Johnson giving him the opportunity to fix everything,” Dockins said.
While the current case against West didn’t include the remaining secretary of state allegations, Johnson urged West to make right on those claims as well.
“I strongly urge you to do what you can to make all of that right too,” Johnson said. “You potentially have a lot of criminal cases out there.”
West will also have to pay all court costs.
Comments
Posted by amcdougal (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 12:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Some people are just above the law.
Posted by ntheno (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 12:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Another in a long, long list of judicial problems in Adams County. The courts must bear a lion's share of today's problems. It is a sad, sad situation.
This was a totally predictable outcome.
Natchez has so many problems that are, collectively, overwhelming.
Unless hundreds of our citizens gather some backbone and take a stand in solving just one of our many, many local problems, then you better start packing up and plan on moving on.
Posted by Golgo_13 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
“You are 60 years old and have health problems,” Johnson said to West. “I don’t see any purpose in making you serve time behind bars.
“I don’t see how that serves justice or society. It would be better to give you a chance to make this right, and I believe you will make efforts to do that.”
Are you kidding me? This is exactly what is WRONG with Natchez " justice". The Blubber Wests of the world do things like this becuase they feel that they are ABOVE THE LAW in the first place! Do YOU think that if he thought that he would be handled like any other citizen in a court of law that he would have commited these crimes?
What is the lesson being taught here? That you can steal 90 grand and get probation? If I stole 90 grand from people what would YOU DO TO ME? Bad health? BULL!!! I have seen inmates in wheelchairs when I was a correctional officer. Bad health is no excuse for not going to jail for commiting a crime, remember that he was in "bad health" when he commited the crime(s) in the first place.
You think that Blubber has learned his lesson? Hell no! He stole 90 grand and he goes to court and argues before a judge that he only owes 19. He just dosent get it. This isn't his first rodeo, he's dodged the trouble bullet before and it looks like he's doing it again. I think when it comes to crimes commited by high profile citizens a judge should ask himself " what sentence would I give to Joe Blow for this crime?"
Judge Johnson, I have been one of your biggest fans for years. But you just threw me a curveball with this one.
Posted by bobcat (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 1:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Marshalls Funeral Home $2495.00 and if you do graveside only i think it's even cheaper.
Posted by fedup14 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 3:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is not even a slap on the wrist. At the most, this is just a finger shake and that was not a nice thing to do -- speech. In his own words, he embezzled $19,000 from people that trusted him to do the right thing. He did not do the right thing then, so how can you trust him to do the right thing now. How many other people would receive a stern talking to for stilling $19,000? This just shows you that it is not what you do, it is who you are!!!!!
Posted by LakeRat1 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 5:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know he is really sorry, He is so sorry that he got caught, you guessed it, a former Alderman, and he really tried to be a good citizen, bet he drives a Nice Car, These are just the Kind Of Rats Laying out there waiting to be good Citizens, and help us all out, we really have some Fine Judges out there Looking out for us, You can tell in this case the Judge was wanting to do the Right Thing,
Posted by sameolsameol (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe he raise the money playing roulette?
Posted by sameolsameol (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe he can raise the money playing roulette?
Posted by nssherlock (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 6:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do what ever it takes to raise the money?
Maybe he will run for alderman again.
Posted by annuity (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think he will be driving anywhere for another year. Think about it! We do not have to pay to house and feed this crook, he has to do that, and from the confines of his own home. Also, we do not have to pay his medical bills sure to result from his poor health. Judge Johnson probably thought why burden the taxpayer with this guy since he did not stick a gun to anyone's head.
Posted by troypage (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree Annuity . Jail space is valuable today and should be reserved for the violent offenders in society . West's time will be better spent out of jail trying to repay those he victimized .
Posted by Usedtolivethere (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is absolutely rediculous. It's just another example of small town crooked politics. It seems to be some weird derivative of the "good ol' boy" club with the West family. I am so glad I "used to live there".
Posted by welcometothejungle (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agreee with annuity. This was the best decision for this situation. Who knows how long he has left with his bad health so it will be on his nickle and not ours, the taxpayer. His reputation is not the same anymore and this indictment will confirm it. To some people, that is a lot...
Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WRONG IS WRONG....
HOUSE ARREST IS WHAT HE NEEDS AND DESERVES. STEALING IS STEALING, But you can rest assured that those who are to buried under those policies will be buried with dignity and put a away very nice as the WEST FUNERAL SYSTEM has a reputation for doing. NOONE IN NATCHEZ DOES IT BETTER... AS far as AFRICAN-AMERICAN MORTICIANS are concerned.
HOWEVER, MR WEST AND HIS FAMILY HAVE DONE MORE FOR PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY THAN WE WILL EVER KNOW. I know of families that did not have a dime to bury their loved ones and THIS FAMILY stepped in and did the right thing.
BY THE WAY HIS NAME IS THEODORE WEST. He is overweight but I am sure ya'll got some fat a$$es in your family also.
I stand in prayer that this will work our for the best for everyone concerned.
BUCKLE UP NATCHEZ... THEY WALK AMONG US.
Posted by doubletap (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It wasn't a violent crime and he saved the tax payers $30,000 a year to put Bubber away for ten years. Judge Johnson did the right thing.
Posted by dave07deuce07 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ONLY A REAL MAN STANDS UP AND ADMITS THE TRUTH; WE NEED MORE LIKE MR. WEST. HE TOOK ( FULL ) RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS ACTIONS. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGHT ABOUT JUDGE "A" JOHNSON DECISION; THAT'S WHAT I CALL A " TODAY'S JUDGE " WE NEED MANY MORE LIKE HIM.
Posted by pudden42 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
THATS ALL HE GOT WAS ONE YEAR OF HOUSE ARREST FOR ALL HE DID SHAME MY MOM HAD A POLICY START BACK IN THE 70"S WORTH ONLY 900.00 DOLLARS THE FAMILY HAD TO PAID FOR HER FUNERAL THATS JUST WRONG MY MOTHER MRS. DOROTHY LEE CHATMAN
Posted by muleman (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hope this works out. If Bubber got sent to prison these people would have never got their money back. Johnson gave Bubber a warning and if Bubber does not get all this corrected he will be in Parchment.
Posted by Sailaway2 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nothing was even mentioned with what he did with the money. Some alledged he had a gambling problem. I prefer to think he used the "stolen" money to provide his children with a fine education. One I believe is a medical doctor. They should now step up to the plate and get a loan to pay off the victims and keep ol'dad out of jail. As a person I like him. He is a charming man. However, that being said, THEODORE has lost more than any judge could sentence him; personal "self respect" and "moral conscience"....he will have to carry that with him the rest of his life.
Posted by hippy (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Didn't this "fair judge" (as some were calling him last week) just give a kid 51 years for stealing some dvd players,tv's,and what not household items valued at a couple thousand dollars ? Now he don't see any reason to put ole bubber behind bars because he is 60 with health problems. Typical al johnson. Its not what crime you committ around these here parts, its who you are, who you know, and who you blow. Oh well, nobody had the balls to even run against the loser in the last election so adams county will get what they deserve for at least 4 more years.
Posted by suthngal (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A thief is a thief...coulda locked him up and made whomever has taken over the affairs at the funeral home see to it these folks were (a)given a proper burial(b)repaid. I know I have seen cases in the past where people have stolen money from their work and they got more than a slap on the wrist!! It is just WRONG! Shame on you Judge! It also sounds like Mr. West is trying to right his wrong by saying what all he has done for the community, well you do for others because you want to not so that when you get into trouble you can use it to your advantage!
Posted by Hambone (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"ONLY A REAL MAN STANDS UP AND ADMITS THE TRUTH; WE NEED MORE LIKE MR. WEST. HE TOOK ( FULL ) RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS ACTIONS."
Are you freaking kidding me? He would have kept his fat mouth shut had he not been caught. Yeah we need a lot more like him, stealing is fine, but if you get caught just admit it and you won't go to jail. This was a plea deal, worked out in a back room somewhere, you better believe if Bubber thought he could have beat this he never would have pleaded guilty or "took full responsibility". If he's so responsible why did he cheat these people out of their money?
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, Siouxlady, I agree with you totally on this one!
Posted by ntheno (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sometime the "real smell" can be right under our nose but we can't seem to detect the source. Our local judicial may be an excellent example of this. We pay far too much attention to some candidates and far to little to those that have the biggest impact.
Wasted days and wasted nights............................
Posted by Golgo_13 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"HOWEVER, MR WEST AND HIS FAMILY HAVE DONE MORE FOR PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY THAN WE WILL EVER KNOW. I know of families that did not have a dime to bury their loved ones and THIS FAMILY stepped in and did the right thing." So what if he did? What does this mean? He helped some black people one day and stole from others the next. I'm sorry I didn't realize he was Robin Hood incognito. What about the black people who had to scrap funds together to bury a loved one who trusted in this man to do the right thing and got ripped off? What about them?
To take advantage of people during the time that they are experiencing the death of a loved one is LOW by ANY standard, this man was in a position of trust and he took advantage of people when they needed him the most.
His "sentence" (if that's what you choose to call it) was not fair to his victims. How many people can steal between 19-90 thousand dollars(depending on who you choose to beleive, and based on his track record I choose to believe the VICTIMS) and get probation? If I stole that much money from you (or someone you cared about) I'd bet you'd be hoppin' mad and not so forgiving. As a former corrections officer I can tell you that there are people in prison who stole a hell of a lot LESS. As far as his "medical condition" is concerned, every prision in the state of Mississippi has a hospital or clinic that serves to care for the treatment of its inmates, this is no excuse.
He needs to answer for what he did, slapping someone on the wrist ain't punishment. The "bottom line" (as Frank Melton would call it ) is that that Blubber should have went to jail where he would be surrounded by others who, just like he does, thinks that stealing from people is acceptable.
Posted by sandra (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 10:33 a.m.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by JoeMan (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is sad, Bubba just stole over $1,500.00 from my family for a head stone in which he lied to us about for over a year. We had to go out and purchase one in the end even though he asked us trust him and he would work it out. This happened right after all the charges were made public. We had to deal with this after my mother Murlee Anderson died, she was a beutiful woman and person and her and my dad trusted him. He is never welcomed on our property again and I think he should have went to jail like all the rest. Good example of it's not what you do but who you are. He filed bankrupsy so our money is just gone. SAD! for the West family because I have never had any problem with any of them. He has disgrased their name and I hope he reads this. He is a liar and thief. Hate to sound mean but how can you pray on people in such a sad time and do it to people who you sat at the table with and say you are a friend of the family.
Posted by thewayitis (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am not one to coddle criminals. The law must be obeyed and the guilty punished. In this case, given the condition of the defendant, a judge has to take many things into consideration. This man is obviously in rapidly deterioating health and unless something changes soon, he will not be here. Justice should consider all factors and I believe that is what Judge Johnson did. Anyone who knows Bubber will attest to his condition. I say the judge acted properly in this case.
Posted by Golgo_13 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JoeMan asked a question in his comment: "how can you pray on people in such a sad time and do it to people who you sat at the table with and say you are a friend of the family." Here is your answer JoeMan: IT IS EASY TO DO THIS IF YOU DON'T POSSESS A CONSCIENCE.
JoeMan my heart goes out to folks like you. May the Lord keep and hold ya'll.
Posted by thewayitis (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If I might add an addendum to my previous comments, I also believe that Mr West should NOT be allowed to maintain any type of license or activity within the funeral home business or any type of licensing to sell any type of insurance including burial insurance. Those licenses should be revoked given his behavior.
Posted by Hambone (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"This man is obviously in rapidly deterioating health and unless something changes soon, he will not be here."
People die in prison everyday. To those of you defending this sentence: what would you have thought had James Seale or Edgar Killian pleaded guilty and then got sent home to live out the rest of their days?
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think we all agree that he did wrong and should be punished and taking advantage of people during such an already sad time, is just very low, but annuity brought up a very good point, housing him and having the state pay for his medical, etc., I wouldn't want that either. Some of you are the same people, who will also argue down the house on how much it takes to house and the upkeep of an inmate. Bubber has to pay back a certain amount, has a very ruined reputation over this, which IMO, NO MONEY can repair how destroyed his. Sure, the families should be made whole, but Bubber has a lot of soul searching and amends he is going to have to make and sometimes, that's easier said than done. No one is excusing or cheering on his behavior.
Posted by NatchezMS1978 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How is justice served with no jail time? (...serve one year house arrest, five years formal probation and four years informal probation) All he has to do is repay the three victims of his crime...and a measley $12,200 at that!!!
This is not justice. This is an outrage.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 11:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
James Seale and Edgar Killan were accused and found guilty of committing hate crimes and actually taking a human being's life. Meaning, they are no longer on this earth, breathing as they were BEFORE they were murdered. Your's is an apples and oranges analogy. Again, wrong is wrong, and I don't think anyone here is defending Bubber nor his sentence.
Posted by AngelEyes (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I see all the comments that people are posting about Bubba West. The ones that think that he was serve justice just because of who he is and his health conditions. That doesn't matter about any of that. If he was charged in any other state or city the judge would not have been that light on him. He is already in house arrest because he don't go no where now because he don't want to face the people he wronged so he is not going to be living any different from what he is now. I bet Bubba didn't steal money from their family or lied to them in their face. I bet their comments will totally change if he wronged them. He was friends with my family. Bubba lied to me and my family. He owes us money $1500 to be exact for a tombstone that never been be laid to rest. He lied to me several times telling me that he already ordered the tombstone and it was going to be delivered by Easter, then by Mother's Day, then by Memorial Day 2009. My Mother passed away in Oct 2008, we ordered the tombstone in the beginning of 2009. It is July 2010 and we still don't have our tombstone. Someone called me and told me that Bubba came to him asking him to say that he ordered the tombstone thru him for us but he said that he was not going to lie for him. So tell me how do anyone wants to do business with a crook like that. We finally went to another business to purchase a tombstone to make my Mom grave complete. I hate the rest of the West family has to deal with all this bad publicity because of him.
Posted by Hambone (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Teach,
Seales and Killan's punishment (life in prison) fit their crime. Bubber's sentence IS being defended by many on here, saying that he doesn't have much time left here on this earth, so he should be able to stay at home. The exact same could be said for Seale and Killian (or any other defendant). It is not apples and oranges. It's PC. Bubber deserves jail time but is not serving it because of his failing health. So if "wrong is wrong" as you say, then is it right that these men were not allowed the same "justice"? You say "(Bubber) has a very ruined reputation over this", the same could be said for every defendant of any crime.
Johnson letting Bubber serve his sentence at home sets a bad precedent. We've all been dieing since we were born. All of our healths have been in some type of deterioration since day one. I suppose I have more of a problem with the reasoning stated by Johnson. Had he given him the sentence and not mentioned his health would have been better. Saying that he was remanded to house arrest because of his poor health is insulting my intelligence. We all know why he isn't serving any jail time and it has nothing to do with his health and all to do with who he is.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It always amazes me how justice, or lack thereof, is served in Natchez, Mississippi. We have the sorriest excuses for judges of anyplace! This Johnson man needs a real slap in the face if he thinks this is what West deserves....matters NOT how old someone is...they should STILL be held accountable and face the consequences.
Posted by thewayitis (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hambone: How can you possibly equate what Bubber is guilty of with James Seale and Edgar Killian? Give me a break. Those two men committed murder in cold blood. Although Bubber is convicted as a "crook" ( no question about that), let's not go off the deep end. He is not a murderer.
Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WRONG IS STILL WRONG..
A STAINED NAME IS SOMETHING TO DEAL WITH IN ITSELF.
STRIPPED OF A GOOD NAME AND A GREAT FAMILY REPUTATION.
This man's suffering is a matter that he must contend with when he closes his eyes at night.
Having to deal with ones own dissapointments and karma can be far worse than being locked up.. In a sense he is in jail.. think about it.
THEODORE "BUBBER" WEST , God still had your back, front and sides.
BUCKLE UP NATCHEZ... THEY WALK AMONG US..
Posted by silverfox1972 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with "bocat". Marshall Funeral Home gives professional service at a cost that is not robbing anyone. They are caring throughout the entire planning process and offer support afterwards. What was amazing to me was that they did not try to sell products that was not needed, nor did they promote the highest priced products that they have available.
Posted by sandra (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
nd, why are you denying freedom of speech? i come from the "heart" with "hands-on-experience". there are others after the money, rather than after the truth. i don't know if teddy had or has a gambling addiction. i only know how detrimental gambling has been in my life. why do you shy away from reality. my comments were not deserving of being censored. you have got to STOP being controlled by others and let the TRUTH shine through.
Posted by King1957 (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I dont beleive that Marshall Funeral home is all that everyone is cracking it up to be. I have seen many of there funerals and there are not anything but a SHOW. The attitudes were horrible it just takes the "personal" out of funerals. All the videos and prayer cards? What is the need for 20 people at one funeral? I have dealt with Mackel. Thats who buried my mother, father, and everyone else in my family. But it all boils down to "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"
Posted by dcmd (anonymous) on July 30, 2010 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
He obviously has a great attorney.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 31, 2010 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the insults thrown around here on the ND are inappropriate. There are those with justifiable reasons to express disdain and denounce him. But, there are those who have a history of posting comments simply because they can hide behind the cloak of anonymity and express hateful and derogatory comments . . . just because!
Most of you so quick to post negative comments and pass judgment have not been affected by this in any way. You don’t have a penny invested in anything that has to do with Theodore "Bubber" West nor West Funeral Home. You do not have any loved ones buried by West and you never will. And, you couldn't care less about the people claiming to have been wronged. So, what’s the basis for your tirades?
"No jail time", you say!?!?!? Heck, if he had been thrown in prison, you would be complaining and raising hell about having to feed and house him! He’s damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t, as far as some of you are concerned.
People, please stop with the character assassinations. The misleading statements, accusations and assumptions posted here are just as damning as the crimes he has been accused of. Theodore "Bubber" West is paying a heavy price for the crimes he is accused of and, now, convicted of -- believe me. He knows the magnitude of this and can't possibly take it lightly . . . there are too many people turning over in their grave as a result of it.
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 31, 2010 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yeah, Krogers! Afraid of the NAACP I may be . . . afraid of you, I'm not!
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on July 31, 2010 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This really saddens me but I'm glad this phase of things is over. My family and the West family have deep ties. I have relatives who worked with West Funeral Home for many years and helped to build it, literally.
I reserve passing judgment on Bubba because he has had his day in court. I agree with the judge's decision and think that it was entirely in line with the severity of the crime.
Hopefully, Bubba will be able to secure the funds and pay restitution to those who were wronged by the intermingling of funds and his failure to deliver the goods and services they purchased.
Many decades were spent building the stellar reputation that West Funeral Home & Flower Shop held for many years. It was arguably the premier Black funeral home in the South, for many years. The West family worked very hard to earn that reputation and respect.
Today, I mourn for the loss of that reputation, the hard work that went into building it, the people that believed in it and the people who were unfavorable affected by the events leading up to this case. The demise of this business and the uncertainty that surrounds it is a great loss for those of us who had planned to entrust our remains with West Funeral Home to handle our funeral and burial. It's a great loss for our community, too. Just sad.
I remember watching an eBay auction for a postcard featuring "West Funeral Home & Flower Shop". That postcard was printed back in the '60s. There were several people bidding on that postcard. It probably cost about $.05 when it was printed. The bidding ended at $7.00 plus -- somebody, somewhere saw value in owning a piece of history. That piece of paper symbolized a very well-respected and upstanding business. There is value in a name. Hopefully, the entire West family's name will not be tarnished by this incident.
To Theodore "Bubba" West, I say, "keep your head up" and do all you can do to make good on all claims and commitments!
Posted by msredneck (anonymous) on July 31, 2010 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
having over 28 grams of weed is a felony and not a violent crime do you think Al would let you go on house arrest [hell no] just a fine example of who you are, and who you know
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on August 1, 2010 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, Ken! Take a chill pill. How much does Bubba West owe you? How many burial plans did you purchase and who in your family did he wrong or didn't pony up for? Sounds like you've really suffered at Bubba West's hands.
Aren't you afraid of the NAACP????
Posted by showbiz (anonymous) on August 1, 2010 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Kroger u just can shut up.....u no nothing about this community other than u making money off the very people u put down u should no by now to cool it hair crown
Posted by Usedtolivethere (anonymous) on August 2, 2010 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, showbiz, where did you go to school?
Posted by showbiz (anonymous) on August 3, 2010 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
KEN (KROGER) MR HAIR CROWN seems as if u getting a lil hot under the collar ...Calm down
Posted by msumom (anonymous) on August 6, 2010 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To all that think remarks made pro and con about West actually matter a hill of beans, think again. He was already tried, convicted, and sentenced. The magnitude of damage that this one man has done to so many families is unbelievable. People believed their loved ones would be taken care of and took hard earned money to pay for their policy. How can this man sleep at night? How can he close his eyes and not see the damage he has done? Personally, I don't care about his health, or whether a nickname was given in childhood about weight. He himself has caused me to feel this way. I try to treat others as you would like to be treated. I believe we should treat Mr. West the same as he as treated his customers. Like blooming, blubbering idiots, that can't see the end of their nose and can't possibly understand what he has done with their money. He is a poor excuse for a man
Posted by ijohnson (anonymous) on August 7, 2010 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, what happened to ((Krogers))?????
I see his hate-filled and vengeful comment(s) have been removed and he is nowhere to be found! Was he banned by the ND?!?!?!!?
I'm sure he will resurface under another name soon . . . but his scent will still be the same.
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