John Leland West

John Leland West, 84, passed away on May 12, 2017 in Chandler. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dolores Jean West; daughters Jeri Joachim and Alana Schmitt; step-children Rolland Forward, Richard Forward, Karen Forward, Bradley Forward, Eddie Forward; grandchildren Lindsay Mahoney, Tara Lindsey, and Matt Poole; and great-grandchildren Aaliyah, Teddy, and Bryson. John was born in Smith Center Kansas on February 20, 1933 to Vern and Lavina (Campbell) West. He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1951 and a year later join the United States Air Force. He served our country for 33 years, including several tours of duty in Vietnam and Thailand, and then retired in 1980. After retirement, John and Dolores enjoyed traveling in their RV to Rocky Point Mexico and spent summers in Priest Gulch Colorado. They settled into a new home in Sun City Grande, where John remained active by going to the gym and hiking. John always had a great sense of humor and a deep love of animals. He will truly be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. A military service will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10am at National Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in John"s honor.