Rine H. “Buddy” West, 80, of Sergeant Bluff, passed away Saturday, June 15 at a local hospital. Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 19 at Waterbury Funeral Service with Rev. Gene Stockton officiating. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4-8 pm with family present 6-8 and a prayer service at 7pm at the funeral home.

West was born in a log cabin on September 7, 1932 in the mountains of Burfield, Kentucky, the son of Earl and Rosa (Chriswell) West. He attended school in Kentucky and joined the United States Air Force in 1952. West was stationed in Sioux City where he met Virginia Claussen; they were married on August 17, 1956 at the Air Base Chapel in Sioux City. After they were married, West worked at Wilson Trailer before joining the 185th Air National Guard and did a tour in Vietnam from 1968-1969.

West had a passion for life and it would shine bright in everything he did; camping, his motorcycle, blue grass music, and his love for his family.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Virginia, children: Robert West (Judy) of Solon, Iowa, Steve West (Penni) of Sioux City, and Pam Hicks (Romain) of Mapleton, Iowa, siblings: Betty La Follete (Quincy) of New Haven, KY, Cassie Hunnicutt of Tucson, AZ, Frank West of Sommerset, KY, Bessie La Follette (Harlis), Raymond West, Lile West (Peggy), Dora Brown, Barbara Nunn, Joe West (Ellie),and Ernie West (Vickie) all of Hodgenville, KY, 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, sister-in-laws Ruby Morey of Sloan, and Dollie Hodges of Sioux City, and several nieces and nephews.

West was preceded in death his parents, six brother-in-laws, and two sister-in-laws.