Hershel C. West

Hershel C. West, 85, of Poplar Bluff, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2007 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. West was born Dec. 30, 1921, in Hustburg, Tenn. Mr. West was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff, where he was a member of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class. A retired insurance agent with American General Insurance Co., he also served as a loan supervisor with the Farmers Home Administration as well as a 4-H Club Agent with the Extension Service. Mr. West was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during World War II. He was an avid gardener and was known for his tomatoes. Mr. West also enjoyed woodworking and helping at the Wednesday night church suppers.

On Nov. 18, 1951, he married Velma Ruth Crader, in Advance, Mo. She preceded him in death on Sept. 25, 1998.

Survivors include a daughter, Myra Lynn Knight, of Poplar Bluff; two sons, James Crader West and Henry Clayborn West, both of Poplar Bluff; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Elizabeth Ruser, of Puxico and Wythia West Hefner and Marjorie L. Rushin, both of Poplar Bluff; and two brothers, John S. West, Sr. and Marion W. West, both of Poplar Bluff.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Kurt Schuermann officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery, in Poplar Bluff.