U.S. Army · United States 
Thad West
1958
Thad Dewitt West served the U.S. Army for 4 years.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Sheriff Thad West was shot and killed while investigating reports of a couple attempting to sell a 4-month-old baby at 511 North Dotsy Avenue.
When Deputy West arrived at the apartment, the male subject opened the door and immediately began firing, fatally wounding him. The subject fled but was later shot and killed when officers attempted to arrest him.
Deputy West had only served with the Ector County Sheriff's Office for one month. He had previously served with the Odessa Police Department for 4-1/2 years and as a U.S. Army military policeman for 4-1/2 years.
When Deputy West arrived at the apartment, the male subject opened the door and immediately began firing, fatally wounding him. The subject fled but was later shot and killed when officers attempted to arrest him.
Deputy West had only served with the Ector County Sheriff's Office for one month. He had previously served with the Odessa Police Department for 4-1/2 years and as a U.S. Army military policeman for 4-1/2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1941 – 1945
Also Served
Ector County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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