Wayne L. West, 73, of Lower Salem, passed away suddenly on Aug. 7, 2022.
Wayne was born on April 25, 1949, to the late Everett and Estella Calhoun West. Through them he learned about faith in God, the value of family, and the reward of hard work.
A year after his graduation from Skyvue High School, Wayne was drafted in the Vietnam conflict. He served as a medic with the 11th Armored Cavalry Blackhorse Regiment in South Vietnam in 1969-1970. Wayne earned multiple commendations including two overseas Purple Hearts. Wayne was a proud supporter of the United States Army and this country. Every Memorial and Labor Day you would see Wayne and his wife, Maddie, placing flags on the headstones of heroes that had passed.
Wayne was a founding member of the Bethel- Graysville Emergency Squad where he continued to remain active with the department. Wayne was an emergency medical responder and firefighter for Salem Township as well. Wayne also served for many years as fire chief for the Bethel Township Volunteer Fire Department. Wayne was a proud member of his community and was always willing to serve. Wayne worked as the bakery manager at Big Bear stores from 1967 to 1998. He was a dedicated employee and enjoyed his time there.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Madeline “Maddie” Brown West; three sons, Wayland (Amber) West, of Newcomerstown, Drexel (Tabitha) West, of Caldwell, and Rusty (Amber) West, of Marr; two bonus daughters, Brandy (Noah) Archer, of Marietta, and Jessica (Joe) Felter, of Newport; his siblings, Eileen (Roger) Bensley, Robert (Jackie) West and Dolores (Todd) Winder; his grandchildren, Melanie, Zachary, Faith, Abby, Brice, Treyven West, Harlee Feldner, Lainie and Kasey Rush, Isabella and Casey Felter and Walter Archer; two great-granddaughters, Paisley and Emberlee; and multiple nieces and nephews.
Friends and family were received Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Woodsfield Church of Christ, 860 Lewisville Rd., Woodsfield. Funeral services followed with Carlton Schooley and Don Reynolds officiating.
Military services were conducted by the American Legion #64 and VFW Post 5108 at the Masterton Cemetery, Lebanon, where burial followed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, 36290 Smithberger Hill Road, Lower Salem, OH 45745.
