Joe West, 61, Gainesville, MO passed away on January 15, 2011 at the Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, AR. He was born on August 13, 1949 in Barnsdoll, OK, the son of Robert and Mary (Swank) West.

Joe was a veteran having proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during Vietnam. He worked in law enforcement for over fifteen years. He started his career in Oklahoma, then worked for twelve years as an Ozark County Sheriff's Deputy. Joe was an easy going, kind hearted man. He enjoyed shopping for antiques and visiting with family and friends. A few of his favorite things were food, friends, football, and fine cigars. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his fiancé Wilma Pendergrass of Gainesville, MO; his children Amanda McBride, Lance West, Whitney Welch and Amy Suter; grandchildren Maya McBride, Norah Welch, and a baby boy West expected in June; also survived by his brothers and sisters Jayne Lott, Julie Self, Nathan West, Norma West, Ben West, Rick West and Bill West; along with several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary West; his brother George West; and two sisters Martha Parker and Mary Sultz.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville, MO with Dale Roberts officiating. Burial will be in the Smith Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday evening from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.