Marion Weldon West

Marion Weldon West, 85, of Poplar Bluff passed away Monday, November 3, 2014 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. West was born September 20, 1929 in Poplar Bluff to the late Henry Celester and Florence Mae (Briggs) West. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and Chamber of Commerce in Poplar Bluff. Mr. West owned and operated West Cattle Co, and also worked for the State of Missouri in Department of Agriculture for 8 years. He proudly served his country while serving in the US Army. Mr. West served on the Central Democratic Committee for 50 years. He was campaign manager for Gov. Joe Teasdale and Gov. Warren Hearnes and served as Colonel at Gov. Hearnes inauguration. Mr. West served on the Ozark Border Electric Coop Board for 40 years. He was very community and civic minded as he supported both new hospitals. He was instrumental in the formation of Three Rivers College, Tinnin Fine Arts Center, Rutland Library and Sears Youth Center. He also worked hard on the round-about at Green Forest. Mr. West was an active and proud citizen of Poplar Bluff and strived to make Poplar Bluff a better place to live.

On September 26, 1959, he married Mescal (Shelby) Barnhart at the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. She survives of the home.

Survivors include a son, Gayle Barnhart (Sissy) of Locust Grove, OK; seven grandchildren: Scott McDowell, Kim Feck, Jessie Barnhart, Cole Barnhart, Tonya Ross, Amy Schoemehl, Niki Barnhart Maly.
Fourteen great-grandchildren: Brittney McDowell, Haley Feck, Matthew Feck, Krissy Feck, Tyler Barnhart, Noah Barnhart, Maya Barnhart, Cole Barnhart Jr., Mason Barnhart, Decklin Barnhart, Parker McCormick, Case McCormick and Piper Schoemehl, a brother John S. West Sr., of Poplar Bluff and two sisters: Wythia Hefner and Marjorie Rushin, both of Poplar Bluff, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. West also left a host of other relatives and a multitude friends.

Preceding Mr. West is death was his parents, a sister Elizabeth Ruser, three brothers: Hershel C. West, James O. West and Ernest L. West, and a step-son Danny Barnhart.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 PM, Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St. The funeral service will be at 10:30 AM, Friday at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Stewart officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in the Woodlawn section of the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901; UCAN (United Cancer Assistance Network), 1899 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901; or The Childrens' Home, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450-3398.