Laurie "Larry" Allan West

Laurie Allen West, 75, of Phenix City, AL died Thursday February 6, 2025 at home. A funeral and celebration of life service with military honors will be held Thursday February 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 Hwy 165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama 36856.

Laurie “Larry” West was born June 6, 1949 in Moline, IL son of the late Earl Lonzo West and Rita Pellin West, the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Moline High school in 1967. He was known to be a “handful” as a youngster. While he was serving in Vietnam, his mother wrote to him and, undoubtedly missing him, remarked how “quiet” it was there without him! He served our country in the U.S. Army for 4 years during the Vietnam War. While he was stationed at Fort Benning, GA, he met Carla Kayleen Britt and they were married on September 12, 1971.

Larry was extremely talented mechanically, and could fix or build just about anything. Along with serving as a forklift mechanic in Vietnam, he worked for John Deere tractor, Southeast Canners, and in various other mechanic positions. He had a true love for classic cars; he owned a 1940 Ford Coupe and a 1955 Chevy. At one point he also built his own car out of used parts for a 1939 coupe model. Restoring classic cars was a passion and a gift of his.

Larry had a sharp wit and was keenly intelligent. Along with his mechanical aptitude, he taught himself how to play the guitar and spent many enjoyable hours playing and singing. He was happiest either playing the guitar or working with his tools or on a car.

Survivors include his children, Brian West (Brad) of Geneva, FL, and Lauren West of Statesboro, GA; one sister, Naomi Templeton of Rock Island, IL, sister-in-law, Nancy West of Lynn Center, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Rita West, a daughter, Allison Elizabeth West, three sisters Mary Teague, Jessie Park, and Bonnie Mountain, and his brothers Winston Michael West and Vernon West.

The family wishes to thank Amy and Chris Wootten for their care for Larry in his final years, his nurses and medical staff, and the staff of Striffler-Hamby for their assistance and support during this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans Association at https://www.dav.org/.