Darrell Tyrone "Thai" West

Darrell Tyrone “Thai” West, a man of selfless service, profound compassion, and intellectual brilliance, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Born on October 5, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan and raised in Oberlin, Ohio, Darrell’s life was marked by a commitment to excellence and service that touched countless lives.  

A proud 1967 graduate of Oberlin High School, Darrell excelled both academically and athletically, winning three conference football championships. His passion for football continued at Ohio University, where he earned both academic and athletic scholarships. While at OU, Darrell also became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Communications, Darrell dedicated himself to journalism, serving as a journalist in the U.S. Navy. His service to the nation was honorable, and he was discharged in March 1977. Never one to stop learning, he pursued and obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Marquette University, solidifying his expertise in storytelling and communication.  

Throughout his professional career, Darrell wore many hats. He worked extensively in customer service and education. His roles at NACSCORP, Safeguard Properties, and The Bridge Community Technology Center reflected his commitment to service and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Later in life, he embraced his passion for education by becoming an English tutor for global learners, where he helped students develop their language skills with patience and wisdom.  

Darrell was a lifelong learner and an adventurer at heart. Though he started traveling later in life, he cherished the experiences he shared with his daughter Ligaya and his sister Jacquie. His travels to Honduras and the Philippines were among the highlights of his later years, allowing him to immerse himself in different cultures and create lasting memories with his loved ones.  

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy Mack West and Louis Lee West.  

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Ligaya Patrice West (Tanya Beal, mother), and his devoted sister, Jacquelyn Hopkins (Stanley); nephew and nieces Stanley II (Tolisha), Jennifer, Jocelyn, Vonda (Sam), Lea and Nina; grandnieces Harper and Baylor; Aunt Rosemary Thomas; a Host of Aunts; Cousins, and Lifelong Friends and many others who lovingly called him Thai or West.  

His warmth, intellect, and humor made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Whether through his writing, teaching, or personal interactions, Darrell had a unique ability to make people feel truly seen and heard. His legacy will endure in the lives of those he touched—his family, students, colleagues, and friends. While Darrell’s presence will be deeply missed, his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  

Visitation will be Saturday, March 1, at 11AM. followed by Celebration of Life Service at 12PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home & Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Road, Lorain, OH 44053.  Repast to follow.

The family kindly requests that attendees wear shades of blue.