Frederick Claude West, 84, of Mexico, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at his home.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, at St. Brendan Catholic Church, with Fr. Dave Veit officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Fred was born on May 19, 1941, in Mexico, Missouri, the son of Paul E. and Erma Elizabeth (Leake) West. On August 24, 1963, he was united in marriage to Rosemary Ann Lively at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico. He shared 62 devoted years of marriage with Rosemary until her passing on February 4, 2025.

Fred graduated from St. Brendan High School, where he was a member of the basketball team, and later earned his degree from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield.

Following his education, Fred began his career at A.P. Green before going on to work for Caterpillar Tractor in Joliet, Illinois, where he dedicated 30 years of service.

He was a faithful member of St. Brendan Catholic Church and remained active in his community. Fred was especially involved with the Mexico Senior Center, where he served as president for many years.

Fred enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and riding his motorcycle with friends. He treasured those friendships deeply and considered them an extension of his family in Mexico.

Survivors include three sons, Paul (Chie) West of Japan, Tony West (Renee Cavanaugh) of Plainfield, Illinois, and Philip (Natalie) West of Coal City, Illinois; fourteen grandchildren, Dylan West, Dalton West, Rebecca Flatt, Brittney West, Jonathan West, Rachel Cavanaugh, Reagen Cavanaugh, Ritchie Cavanaugh, Natalie West, Kelsey Buithuis, Jacob Porterfield, Cailyn Ziegler, Colin West, and Cameron West; twelve great-grandchildren, Gavin, Sophia, Noah, Max, Elijah, Raelynn, Myla, Annie, Waylon, Henry, Ryan, and Charlotte; and three siblings, Kay McClain of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ron West of Chandler, Arizona, and Beth Wisdom of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mexico Senior Center, 606 E. Park Street, Mexico, MO 65265, or to St. Brendan Catholic Church, 615 S. Washington Street, Mexico, MO 65265.