Rush Delano West, 91, of Witcherville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2026. Rush was born on January 4, 1935, in Elkhorn, West Virginia, to Thomas and Annie West. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Tarawa (CV-40), where he served as a member of a 5-inch gun crew. His time in the Navy remained a source of great pride, and he enjoyed sharing stories of his service with family and friends throughout his life.
Following his military service, Rush built a long and respected career as an ironworker, spending 38 years with Ironworkers Local 433 in Los Angeles, California. During his career, he contributed to projects at numerous locations, including work at the highly classified Area 51 facility in Nevada. While he was never able to share many details about that chapter of his life, those who knew him never tired of wondering what stories he couldn’t tell.
Rush shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marcia. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Those who knew Rush will remember his love of fishing, his love of storytelling, and the countless tales he shared about his Navy service, his years as an ironworker, and the extraordinary experiences that filled his life. He also earned a well-deserved reputation as the family’s grill meister, always happiest behind the grill preparing meals that brought everyone together. To his grandchildren, though, he was simply Pawpaw, and if you asked any of them, they’d tell you he was simply the best. Anybody who knew Rush knew that smile.
Rush is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia West; his children, Karrie Daggett (Cory), James William Parsons (Myrhea), Tamara Knutson (Jon), Terri Hocott (Keith), Rushelle Chacon (Al), Guy Derek West, and Yvonne West-Palma (David); his grandchildren, Breck Daggett (Haven), Colin Daggett, Jordan Parsons, Alex Parsons, Graecyn Higgins, Sarah Balli (Kristian), Ryan Hocott, Brandon Vasak (Hailey), Brianna Fournier (James), Danelia Palma, Michelle Palma, and Stephanie West; his great-grandchildren, Juniper Vasak and Atlas Vasak; and many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Annie West, and his twelve brothers and sisters.
In keeping with his wishes, Rush will be cremated. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
A memorial service with military honors will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 22 at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
Rush’s legacy is one of faithful service to his country, unwavering devotion to his family, and a lifetime of hard work, integrity, laughter, and love. His stories will continue to be told, his example will continue to inspire, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
