Richard E. West, had infectious smile

Richard E. West, 69, a lifelong resident of Frankford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. He was known for his love of people, and always had an infectious smile and laugh.

Richard was born in Salisbury, Feb. 18, 1947, son of the late Edwin and Margaret (Banks) West. He was a graduate of Lord Baltimore High School Class of 1965, where he was a star basketball, football and baseball player. Richard also proudly served his country in the Delaware Army National Guard.

Richard married his high school sweetheart, Sonya Maziarz, at St. George's United Methodist Church July 17, 1964. He was a farmer on the family farm outside of Frankford, and was also a pilot. He attended and was a lifelong member of St. George's United Methodist Church in Clarksville. He will be remembered as a godly man who was deeply devoted to his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lorraine W. Steen in 2008. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sonya (Maziarz) West; two daughters, Andrea L. West-McCabe and her husband,Kenneth D. McCabe of Frankford, and Anita L. West-Werner and her husband William M. Werner of Bear; five grandchildren, Kaila D. McCabe, Kendall A. McCabe, Weston M. Werner, Analiese R. Werner and Kaitlyn King; and a sister-in-law, Phyllis Stevens of Frankford.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, at St. George's United Methodist Church, 34281 Omar Road, Frankford, where the funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Interment will be held in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Richard's name to the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, MD 21811.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.