John E. West, 83, of Argos, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025 in Miller’s Merry Manor of Culver.
John was born to William B. and Elva (Rice) West on February 12, 1942 in Newell, West Virginia. He earned his GED with the United States Army during his service. He married Joyce Ruffing on April 24, 1964 and she survives. He graduated from the Police Academy as part of the 2nd class to attend the academy. He worked for the Bourbon Police Department for over 44 years, with 33 of those years as Bourbon Police Chief. He was a member of the Marshall County F.O.P. Lodge #130, and the Bourbon American Legion #424. He loved dogs, camping at the farm, collecting guns, and was a competition shooter.
John will be dearly missed by his wife, Joyce West of Argos, IN; his son, Ray (Doretta) West of Bourbon, IN; his grandchildren: Sasha West of Argos, IN; Joseph West of Knox, IN; his sisters: Diane Bottorff of Delaware; Elsie Palmer of Illinois; his brother, Denver West of Argos, IN; along with his many, many friends and his police family.
John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elva West; his sisters: Mary Crago; Helen McClintick; Patricia Ruffing; and Nancy Mosier; and his brother, Kenneth West.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home (300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, IN).
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Plymouth Baptist Church (11345 9A Rd., Plymouth, IN) with Pastor Doug Dieterly officiating. The family requests that any police officers attend in uniform to honor John and if possible, to drive their squad cars.
The burial will take place in New Oak Hill Cemetery (1300 Chester St., Plymouth, IN). Military Honors will be performed by the Bourbon American Legion #424.
Memorial donations may be made in John’s honor to the Marshall County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #130 (c/o Bourbon Police Department, 224 N. Main St., Bourbon, IN 46504).
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during their difficult time. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Homes are honored to provide services in celebrating the life of John and wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the West family. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Homes would like to thank John for his service in the United States Army as well as for his service with the police department. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.
