Richard Anthony West

Richard A. West, 79, of Tarpon Springs, Florida, formerly of Moline, Illinois, died, July 11, 2005 at Mease Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, Florida.
Services are 10:30 AM, Monday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline, with the Reverend Robert E. Lee officiating. Visitation is Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Burial will be in National Cemetery, Rock Island with military honors by Moline American Legion, Post 246. Memorials may be given to either the Moline American Legion, Post 246 or to the Early Bird American Legion, Post 173, Holiday, Florida.
Richard Anthony West was born January 4, 1926 in Lake Forest, Illinois the son of Thomas and Gertrude (May) West. He graduated from Davenport Central High School. Richard grew up around Columbus Junction, Iowa, and later moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin where he met his wife. Richard married the former Hildegard Erika Feifer August 16, 1948 in Rock Island, Illinois, she preceded him in death on July 4, 1976. Richard was a World War II veteran serving as a Radioman aboard the USS Gallatin, and aboard the troop transport USS Sevier during the Iwo Jima invasion. He also served during the Korean War. Richard loved attending his ship?s reunions and being with his shipmates. He was employed as a fork lift driver at International Havester, East Moline for over 30 years, retiring in 1981.
Richard was a member of the Quad-Cities Bicycle Club, and the Early Bird American Legion in Holiday, Florida. He enjoyed canoeing, swimming, fishing, televisions, attending horse races, and being on or near water. Richard was looking forward to trying out his new kayak.
Richards survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Dennis English of Coal Valley; granddaughter, Jill and Shawn Firth; two great-grandsons, Brandon J. Miller, and Cameron W. Firth; and a special friend, Sylvia Murphy. He was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn West, and a grandson, Jack Ray Miller.
You may share a story about Richard or light a candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.