"An Automotive Family's Journey on Route 66"

Artist: Julie Krovicka

Sponsors: Laury & Cindy West

Dedicated to: This window is dedicated to the many West family members who, over four generations, have worked in and who supported those who worked in, the many dealerships owned and operated by my family

The first dealership was started in the early 1940’s by my Grandfather, Al West Sr. In Cuba, Missouri on Route 66. This dealership was Al West Motor and Tractor Sales. My father, Al West, Jr. joined my Grandfather in the business after he returned from a tour of duty in the Merchant Marines. My Aunt Rose also joined them in the business. My Dad bought the dealership from my Grandfather when he retired for health reasons. My brothers and I worked at the dealership from the time we were 10 years old and you can see in the mural that I had the difficult job of sitting on the fender of a Plymouth Valiant. The business remained at the same location on Route 66 in Cuba until my Dad sold it to his cousin Don Treece. My Dad had purchased a dealership in Rolla and moved our family there.

After 10 years in the Air Force, Cindy and I moved to Rolla and joined my Dad and brothers in the business in 1978. After my Dad’s untimely death in 1981 my brothers and I purchased the Rolla dealership from my Mom. In 1983 Chrysler Corporation offered us the opportunity to open a dealership in Sullivan and West Brothers Chrysler was born and was located very near Route 66. Over the next 35 years my wife Cindy, son Laury Jr. and daughter Maggie all worked in the dealerships as we expanded to West Brothers Ford in 2001 and West Brothers Chevrolet Buick GMC in 2008. Also, in 2008 we established Kingdom Kia in Rolla where it is still in operation and is owned and operated by Laury Jr. the fourth generation of West Family auto dealership owners.