State Rep. Buddy West (R-Odessa) Passes Away

Longtime Republican State Representative Buddy West of Odessa passed away on Wednesday at an Odessa hospice. Rep. West was 71.

Mr. West, who served eight terms in the Texas House, had been suffering from kidney problems and began dialysis in December.

A retired safety engineer, he lost his re-election bid during an April runoff with Odessa attorney and former judge Tryon Lewis. His current term expires at the end of the year.

"Buddy was a dedicated public servant to the people of the Permian Basin and to the state of Texas," House Speaker Tom Craddick said in a prepared statement. "I had the tremendous honor to serve alongside him and to work with him on issues that affect our closely linked communities of Midland and Odessa."

Rep. West was first elected to the Texas State House in 1992, and served the counties of Ector, Andrews and Winkler. Most recently Mr. West served on the House Environmental Regulation Committee, as well as the House Law Enforcement Committee.

"Texas lost a great public servant when Buddy West passed away today," Gov. Rick Perry said in a written statement.

The Governor has ordered all flags at the Capitol complex be lowered through Friday, when Rep. West will be buried.