Benjamin R. "Buzz" West

Benjamin R. "Buzz" West, age 81 of Watseka passed away at 3:44pm, Monday, April 21, 2014 at his home.  He was born on May 2, 1932 in Belmont Twp. a son of Benjamin and Hazel Cavitt West. 
He married Lois Orcutt in Watseka on January 20, 1952 and she survives. Other survivors include 3 daughters-Pam (Jeff) Harms of Watseka, Lynn West of Houston, TX, Ann (Robert) Mooney of Carol Stream, IL; 2 sisters- Pat (Ralph) Johnson of Watseka and Virginia (Howard) Orcutt of Watseka; 7 grandchildren-Jon (Amy) Harms, Josh Harms, Jake (Olivia) Harms, Katy Kennedy, Taylor Kennedy, Nicole Mooney, and Patrick Mooney; 5 great grandchildren- Dorothy, Hannah, Paul, Molly, and Ruth Harms. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister-Marcia Both, and 1 daughter-Sara West.
Buzz was a lifelong area farmer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Watseka where he served on many committees over the years. He was also a member of the Watseka Masonic Lodge, former member of Woodland School Board, former member of Watseka Elevator Board, and former 4-H leader for many years. He was a private pilot who enjoyed flying and was an avid boater.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Watseka with Rev. David Perry and Rev. Wes Osborn officiating. Burial will follow in Body Cemetery in Woodland.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and 1 hour prior to service at the church.
Masonic services will be held at 6:45 pm on Thursday at the Knapp Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
Please share a memory at knappfuneralhomes.com.