Robert C. West

Mr. Robert C. "Bob" West age 84 of Melrose passed away Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at Roberts Care Center in Palatka. He was born November 26, 1934, in Jacksonville to the late James E. and Ruth (Emery) West. Following graduation from Lee High School, for the next eight years, Bob served in the Marine Reserves during the Korean War. He then received his Associates Degree in Criminology and began his thirty year career with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office retiring as Sgt. During his 30 years working for JSO, he was also Gods servant and was instrumental in leading several men to accept Christ as their Savior. Like any other police officer, he encountered many serious situations and almost death several times. But God had other plans for him, and Bob was able to come home to his family after each shift. After making Melrose his home Bob continued working as a bailiff for five years in Alachua County. He was an ordained Deacon serving at Eliam Baptist Church in 1982 and again in 2004 at Orange Heights Baptist Church where he has been a longtime member. Mr. West enjoyed studying the bible and was well versed in the Prophecy. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay dawn his life for his friends. Bob willingly did this, protecting and serving his family, his community, and his country. He has many crowns to lay at the feet of Jesus. He also a member of the F.O.P. in Jacksonville and but most of all he loved being involved with his grandsons and watching their football games. Mr. West leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 65 years Suann (Miller) West of Melrose and their daughter Roxane West Smith (Tom) of St. Augustine and a sister Catherine Becker (Jerry) of Keystone Heights. He was also loving called "Poppa" by Jordan and Jacob. Viewing for Mr. West will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Orange Heights Baptist Church with A celebration of life beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Mr. Charles Blackwell officiating. Interment will follow at Eliam Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Haven Hospice, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. Walker Dr., Keystone Heights, FL 32656. (352)473-3176. www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Eliam Cemetery 861 State Road 21 North Melrose FL 32666 US Viewing Saturday, August 10, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Orange Heights Baptist Church 16700 NE SR 26 Hawthorne FL 32640 US A Celebration of Life Saturday, August 10, 2019 11:00 AM - Orange Heights Baptist Church 16700 NE SR 26 Hawthorne FL 32640 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176