Eugene Burnett West, 90, of Franciscan Manor, Beaver Falls, formerly of Slippery Rock and Butler, passed away at 7:20 a.m. Wednesday at Franciscan Manor.

Born in Slippery Rock, April 7, 1922, he was the son of Henry Gale West and Mabel Varnum West.

He married Esther Jean Barron West, who preceded him in death. He later married Ruth Buckham Miller West, who also preceded him death.

He graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1941. He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran. He entered the service Aug. 10, 1942, and was honorably discharged Feb. 8, 1946. He was stationed initially in California, served on various ships, including those in the South Pacific, and was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division as a medic.

He attended Butler Business College.

Gene began working with his father in the family grocery upon his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1946. In 1964, Gene became sole owner of the store which he operated until 1980. He then was employed by Slippery Rock University until 1987.

He attended Center Presbyterian Church in Slippery Rock for many years.

He was a member of the Grove City F&AM Lodge 603, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite-Valley of New Castle, the Syria Shrine (Pittsburgh), the Butler Shriners Luncheon Club, the American Legion Post 393 in Slippery Rock and the Slippery Rock VFW Post 6231.

He was a former member and past president of the Slippery Rock Cemetery Association and a member of the Slippery Rock High School Alumni Association. For years, he was the clerk of elections in Slippery Rock and was a former member of Slippery Rock Borough Council. He was an avid bowler and golfer.

Surviving are one son, Richard E. West and his wife, Susan K., of Beaver Falls; and two stepsons, Mitchell Miller and his wife, Ruth, of Center Township and Merton Miller and his wife, Nancy, of Virginia. Also surviving are three grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one step-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; and two sisters, Averal Logan and Joann Zucker.

WEST – Public funeral services for Eugene Burnett West, who passed away Wednesday, June 27, 2012, will be at 8 p.m. Thursday, beginning with a Masonic service, at Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at 8 p.m. Thursday.There will be a private interment service at Slippery Rock Cemetery.Contributions in his memory can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.