Danny Eugene West

Danny Eugene West, 82, died Sunday, July 8, 2012, at his home, ending an 8 month struggle with lung cancer.

Born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, on October 12, 1929, he was the son of the late Charles Edward and Gertrude Odom West. He was a retired veteran, serving 22 years in the military, including two tours in Korea and in Turkey, as well as several locations stateside. While stationed in Minnesota, he worked with the FBI and Secret Service for four years to protect Vice President Hubert Humphrey. After military retirement, he returned home to Hoxie and founded West Machine as a small engine repair shop. He was a member of Hoxie Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Jerry West.

Dan is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anna West, of the home; three sons, Robert West of Hoxie, Danny West and wife Cara, Alan West and wife Kristen, all of Walnut Ridge; two daughters, Rita Huffstutter and husband Bob, of Monroe, Louisiana, and Mary Smith and husband Greg, of Hoxie; three foster children: Lonnie Woodruff and Bernice Woodruff of the home, and Larry Woodruff of Jonesboro; a sister, Colleen Bornhoft of Little Rock; sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 12 from 9-11am at Hoxie Church of Christ, with a memorial service following. Honorary pallbearers will be his eight grandsons: Travis Smith, Curry Smith, Cabot Huffstutter, Corbin Huffstutter, Tanner Smith, Warner West, Graham West, and Reece West.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Crowley's Ridge Academy, 606 Academy Drive, Paragould, AR, 72450. To sign an online guest book, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.