Harve R. West

Harve Russell "Tuffy" West, age 84, of rural Liberal, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 24, 2012 at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.      Tuffy was born January 14, 1928, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to James and Mabel (VanKirk) West.  During World War II, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Philippines and Hawaii, and was a longtime member of Liberal American Legion.  On September 3, 1949, at Bentonville, Arkansas, Tuffy married Vernie Bray and they made their home, raised their family, and farmed near Liberal.  Tuffy was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.  In addition to being a natural master gardener, he was an expert at harvesting morel mushrooms.  Tuffy will be remembered by family and friends for his keen sense of humor and the fun that he found in every day life.       Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Vernie West, of the home; three daughters and their husbands, Linda & Mike Carpenter and Brinda & Mark Bolton all of Fort Scott, Kansas, and Drinda & Tom Farrell, Cleveland, Missouri; a son, Timothy West, Liberal; a sister, Ellen Grimes, Wichita, Kansas; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a large extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and three brothers.      The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 28th at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar.      A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 29th at Shiloh Cemetery north of Liberal with full military honors.      Memorial contributions are suggested to Shiloh Cemetery in care of Daniel Funeral Home.