Rine H. "Buddy" West 1932 - 2013

WEST, CHRISWELL, CLAUSSEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/18/2013 at 11:17:42

Sioux City Journal
18 June 2013

SERGEANT BLUFF | Rine H. "Buddy" West, 80, of Sergeant Bluff passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013, at a local hospital.

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Waterbury Funeral Service, with the Rev. Gene Stockton officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

West was born in a log cabin on Sept. 7, 1932, in the mountains of Burfield, Ky., the son of Earl and Rosa (Chriswell) West. He attended school in Kentucky and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952. West was stationed in Sioux City, where he met Virginia Claussen. They were married on Aug. 17, 1956 at the air base chapel in Sioux City. After they were married, West worked at Wilson Trailer before joining the 185th Air National Guard and did a tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.

West had a passion for life and it would shine bright in everything he did. He enjoyed camping, his motorcycle, bluegrass music and his love for his family.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Virginia; children, Robert West (Judy) of Solon, Iowa, Steve West (Penni) of Sioux City, and Pam Hicks (Romain) of Mapleton, Iowa; siblings, Betty La Follete (Quincy) of New Haven, Ky., Cassie Hunnicutt of Tucson, Ariz., Frank West of Somerset, Ky., and Bessie La Follette (Harlis), Raymond West, Lile West (Peggy), Dora Brown, Barbara Nunn, Joe West (Ellie),and Ernie West (Vickie), all of Hodgenville, Ky.; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Ruby Morey of Sloan, Iowa, and Dollie Hodges of Sioux City; and several nieces and nephews.

West was preceded in death his parents; six brother-in-laws; and two sister-in-laws.