Thurl Eugene “Gene” West, 57, of Mendon, Michigan died Thursday, April 6, 1978 in Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He had been ill four months.

Gene was born December 6, 1920 in Olney, Illinois son of Harley R. and Mattie E. (Delzell) West, and was a longtime Mendon area resident.

He formerly was engaged in farming and was employed as a lumber inspector.

He is survived by his wife, the former Betty Worrell; daughters, Mrs. Jack (Connie) Hayward of Vicksburg and Mrs. John (Martha) Cook of Centreville; a son, Monty West of Richland; brothers, Francis West of Vicksburg, Charles West of Bellevue and Clifford West of East Leroy and eight grandchildren.

Services were held at Spencer Funeral Home, Athens with interment in Centreville Cemetery.

Battle Creek Enquirer (Battle Creek, MI) – Friday, April 7, 1978