John H West age 78, of Benton, was born to Jack West and Ora (Lemons) on March 9th, 1946, in Mt. Olive, Arkansas. John was a jack of all trades, working and retiring from Reynolds Aluminum, Saline Memorial EMT, welding and the court system (bailiff).

As much as he loved working, those were his side jobs. His REAL job was taking care of his wife and kids. Whether it was driving across town to get a squirrel out of the Christmas tree, going to pick up a kid who once AGAIN borrowed and wrecked his truck, or being woken up after working the graveyard shift because a spider was spotted in the house.

He married Molly Christ West, his wife of 58 years, after knowing her for a short 3 months. They navigated their life together along with their 4 children John (Delynne) West, Wendy Musteen, Stacy Ramirez and Laura West. John lived for a good joke, and the West family joined right in. His 9 grandchildren (Madelynne & Veronica West, Chris (Sloane) & Will Musteen, Mikhail, Jacob, John Patrick, Molly Kate & Anthony Ramirez) are left behind knowing they will never re-win the "Best Grilled Cheese" trophy since he's taking that honor to the grave.

The family mourns the loss of their Husband, Dad and Papa - as well as the fact they never learned the secret of his great fried okra & potatoes, cooked in a cast-iron skillet, since they were not allowed to go near the hot grease.

John West was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jackie (Nancy) West, and Charlotte (Jimmy) Reasons. In addition to his family, he leaves behind lifelong best friend Richard Spickard. John was an organ and tissue donor with ARORA, so will live on through his donation. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to a charity of your choice.

Visitation for friends and family will be Thursday, 9 May, from 5:30-7:00 at Bauxite Community Hall (6707 Benton Street). The funeral Mass will be Friday, 10 May, at 11:00 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Benton.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com