John W. West

John W. West, age 91, of Heath, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2014 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center (operated by Hospice of Central Ohio). John was born July 14, 1922 in Grand Island, Nebraska to the late William H. and Blanche (Watters) West. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Johns Naval career spanned six years, including World War II, where he served as a fighter plane mechanic on the island of Espiritu Santo in the South Pacific. John had a 27 year civil service career. He moved to Newark in 1962 with the Newark Air Force Station and retired from there in 1977. After retiring, he continued to be active with the local branch of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees where he served in many capacities locally and at the state level. John was an avid woodworker and craftsman. He had a passionate love for the game of golf and played in numerous leagues around the area. He built and repaired dozens of sets of golf clubs for family and friends over the years, and introduced countless individuals to the game of golf. John was invited to participate in Honor Flight, a day-long trip to Washington, D.C. honoring local surviving World War II Veterans. He loved his family and particularly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy P. (Lucas) West; three children, Louanne Knack (Dave Douglas), Phil (Sue) West and Jeff (Debra) West; grandchildren, Tyler Knack, Barry Knack, Jennifer West Cullum, Julian Waldron, Jason Miller and Lindsay Wahl; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Kathleen West of Dallas, Texas; a brother-in-law, Jerry (Sharon) Lucas of Sevierville, Tennessee; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters and a brother; and son-in-law, Dale Knack. There will be no calling hours and the family will observe a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio (Attn. Selma Markowitz Care Center), PO Box 430, Newark, OH 43058or to the Alzheimers Association-Central Ohio Chapter, 1379 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215.Criss-Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home, 179 Granville Street, Newark, is honored to care for the West family. Please visit www.CrissWagnerHoskinson.com to share a special memory about John or to sign an online guest book.