John West, 79, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, April 14 at Putnam Community Medical Center. A native of Palatka, he was born on Thursday, March 8, 1934 to William "Ruff" and Corene Gavin West. John was educated in the Putnam County School District (Central Academy). In the 1950's, John relocated to Miami and was employed as a maintenance worker at Miami International Airport for 13 years; later served as Town Park Condominiums Superintendent for several years and retired as owner/operator of E & E Septic Tank Service. While residing in Miami, John was a devoted member of Triumph Church and subsequently the Apostolic Revival Center. Upon returning to Palatka in 2008, John continued his Christian journey at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. John loved gospel music and sang with Stars of Harmony quartet (Miami) as a bass vocalist. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in eternal rest by his daughter, Joy "Chip" West; brothers, William "Nebo" West, Jr., Carey West, Joe West, Nathaniel West, James "JC" West; and sisters, Winnie Williams and Ella Mae Lewis. John leaves to cherish his legacy: sons and daughters, Carl West, Miami; Helen (Charles) Howard, Palatka; Diane McTaw, Savannah, GA; Sherman West, Graceville; Denise (Thomas) Stokes, Savannah, GA; Fay (Kevin) Johnson, Miami; (Joy, Carl, and Helen's mother, Murline West, East Palatka); (Denise, Faye and Sherman's mother, Dorothy West, Orlando); sisters, Lucille Maxwell, Atlanta, GA; Loretha (Rev. Ezekiel) Johnson, Palatka; Marvie (Nathan) Allen, Palatka; adopted brother, Willie James (Mamie) Johnson, Warner Robbins, GA; sister-in law, Iona West; 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2013 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 North 19th Street, Palatka, Rev. Anthony Q. Robinson, Sr., Pastor, is the Eulogist. Interment will be in Palatka Memorial Gardens, Palatka.