Donald Gordon West

Donald Gordon West, 70, of Folly Beach, South Carolina, husband of Anna Brown West, entered into eternal rest Wednesday, February 24, 2021. His Graveside Service will be held March 5, 2021 in Beaufort National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.. The service may be viewed via live stream at 2:00 p.m. by using the following link, https://youtu.be/WEkNE0w5NMA.​ Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Donald was born September 18, 1950 in Hazelton, BC, Canada, son of the late Donald West and Elizabeth Gray West. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served with honor for more than twenty years. During his time in the Air Force, he distinguished himself as an airframe corrosion control specialist, an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) maintenance technician trainer and quality control supervisor. Donald was the nation's first Training Cadre Manager for the Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) system deployed in western Europe. In recognition for these achievements, he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, twice, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Senior Missile Badge. This badge signified his direct involvement in the sustainment of one third of the nation's nuclear deterrent triad of bombers, ICBMs and submarines.

After retiring from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant, Donald continued to serve the military by working at Lockheed Martin in Greenville, SC as a crew lead for the C-130 and P-3 refurbishment. In recognition of these efforts, he received Lockheed's Aero Star trophy for 2012.

Donald spent the last years of his life performing maintenance with Fred Holland Realty on Folly Beach. Donald often described this as his dream job as he was able to utilize a lifetime of skills to execute any task needed for the company, a homeowner or tenant which he loved dearly.

Among many hobbies, Donald's favorite was the love of building plastic models of military aircraft. He was the President of IPMS-JG85 out of Greenville, SC for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Anna West of Folly Beach, SC; three daughters: Syndi Colwell (Jon) of Tucson, AZ, Michelle West of Scottsdale, AZ and Elizabeth Brown (David) of Anderson, SC; a son, Joshua Brown (Hannah) of Rock Hill, SC; six grandchildren; and his sister, Sandra West of Hawaii. He also has brothers-in-law, David (Amanda) and Mike; sister-in-law, Rachel (Archie); along with a special nephew and niece. He was preceded in death by his brother, Brad West. Donald leaves behind many life-long friends especially Doug and Helen Washburn of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The family would like to thank Lowcountry Hematology & Oncology, Palmetto Digestive and especially Roper Hospice for all the loving care provided to Donald.

A special thank you to the Kennedy family on Folly Beach with Fred Holland Realty, who made our dreams become a reality and who we love dearly.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org and Roper Hospice 1483 Tobias Gadson Blvd., Suite 208A, Charleston, SC 29414.