Benjamin “Ben” Malone West, 57, of Birmingham, passed away Oct. 20. 

Born and raised in Russellville, he was a graduate of Russellville High School and University of North Alabama in Florence.
 After serving four years in United States Air Force, Ben moved to California to work for the Department of Defense as a chemist for the Navy. He was transferred to San Diego, where he completed 30 years of service in June 2016. In 2014 Ben earned his master’s degree from the University of Florida in pharmaceutical science with concentration in clinical toxicology.
He loved to travel and visited many exotic and interesting places around the world.

A private graveside funeral was held Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at Franklin Memory Gardens with Bro. Bert Fowler officiating.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, Laney L. and Rebecca Ruth Malone West, and brother Larry J. West.

He is survived by his sister Janis Monroe and husband Bo and a host of cousins.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the University of Alabama hospital and Palliative Care for their unending compassion and tender loving care.
Memorials in Honor of Ben to United Cancer Society will be appreciated.