John Dempsey West

John Dempsey West, age 78, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2012, after a lengthy illness. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 1, 1934, to the late Charles and Jeanne West. John was a graduate of West High School, and he served our country in the US Navy. He and his brother owned and operated West Brothers Shell service stations in Sunbury and Worthington, Ohio. He was a former member of the Eagles and Moose Lodge in Delaware, Ohio, and he raced horses for many years at Beulah Park. John was a world traveler and enjoyed many trips with his wife and good friends, Tom and Shirley Maney. He enjoyed being around people, and he loved hosting family members at his home in Gatlinburg. The more people who were around, the happier John was. He also enjoyed sitting in his porch swing with his beloved Westies, Hamish, Andy, and Sophie, watching the bears and other wildlife. He was an avid fan of the Browns, Reds, and Dale Earnhardt. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, John Michael West. John is survived by his wife, Barbara West; children, Johnette Smiley, Michelle Mason, Kathy (Cliff) Price, and Kim Tackett; step-children, Charity Raimond, Charma (Jeff) Patterson, John A. (Susie) West, and Greg (Dee) West; siblings, Allen (Trisha), Betty, and Jim (Donna) West; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Family will receive friends on Thursday, September 27, 2012, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and from 2-4 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 4 p.m., at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of John.