Melford Fredrick West

Melford F. West, 88, of Lawton passed away July 17, 2018 at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo.  Mel was born September 24, 1929 in Wilton, Maine to Everett and Zetta (Hill) West.

He served in the US Army during the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic, learning not only how to fix planes, but to fly them as well.  Later, he moved to Michigan and worked for the Upjohn company.  There he met his wife Ann Hazelton.  They were united in marriage on April 16, 1965.  He retired from Upjohn in 1986 and was a member of the Grape Country Model A club.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and always working on something.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Zetta, his wife Ann and siblings, Beatrice, Lona and Urban.  Surviving are five sons, Rod West, Brad West and Mark West of Maine and James Ramsey Jr and Timothy (Dana) Ramsey of Lawton. Eleven grandchildren, Heather Stour, Jeremy Stour, Nathan West, Bryan West, Brandon West and Brent West of Maine.  Timothy (Thea) Ramsey of Baldwinville, MA, Eric (Stacy) Ramsey of Lawton, Branden (Jennifer) Ramsey of Galesburg, Kevin (Ashley) Ramsey of Norwalk, OH and Cassidy (Preston Rife) Ramsey of Kalamazoo.  Also, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw on July 23, 2018 from 11:00 to 12:00 with graveside service immediately following. Pastor David Small to officiate and Military Honors to conclude the service.  Memorial donations may be made to Kairos Dwelling of Kalamazoo.