of Marion, AR
April 8, 1958 - March 26, 2025
Richard Ray West, Sr., 66, of Marion, Arkansas passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025 surrounded by his family. Born on April 8, 1958 in Fayetteville, Arkansas Richard dedicated his life to service-both to his country and to the people of Crittenden County.
After earning his bachelor's degree in 1984, Richard pursued his passion for law, graduating from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 1987. He then answered the call to serve, commissioning as a Captain in the United States Air Force JAG Corps, stationed in Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout his military career, he provided legal counsel and advocacy for service members, retiring with the rank of Major.
Following his military service, Richard and his wife, Danita, settled in Marion, Arkansas where they raised their three children. He established his own law practice, fiercely advocating for the people of Crittenden County. In addition to his private practice, he also served as a dedicated public defender, ensuring fair representation for those in need. His legal career was marked by integrity, compassion and a deep commitment to justice.
Upon his retirement in 2020, Richard embraced the joys of family life. He found adventure in motorcycle trips across the western United States and Alaska with his brothers, creating cherished memories on the open road.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Danita Keller West; his daughters, Erin West and Adrienne West (Sean) both of Farmington, Arkansas and his beloved grandchildren, Addison, Sutton and Keller West also of Farmington. He also leaves behind a close-knit family of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and in-laws who will forever cherish his warmth, wisdom and unwavering support.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Rita West; his brother, John West and his son, Richard Ray West, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard's memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, an organization close to his heart.
Richard's legacy of service, love and dedication will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. His presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
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39 Condolence(s)
Ralph Wilson Jr.
Monday, March 31, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss of Richard. He was a good person, a very professional and competent lawyer who cared for his clients. He was a zealot advocate for their causes. You all have my deepest sympathy and are in my prayers.
Eric Doege
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Richard was always one of the most positive and humorous people you could know. Even in recent times he was able to shine a ray of sunshine. I will miss him and regret not spending more time with him in recent years. I have nothing but positive memories of Richard and our times together and will miss him as much as I would miss a brother.
Jay Pollard
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Thoughts and prayers of course. Richard was one of the coolest people I have known. Always even keel with a wry, intelligent humor. Living his life, his way. So much respect for him. He will be missed by Sonya and myself. God bless you Dee Dee.
Guy Dickey
Sunday, March 30, 2025
He leaves behind a wonderful family, Peter is a shining example of a Christian.
Now he is resting, waiting for his home in Heaven.
Don Arnold
Sunday, March 30, 2025
Dee Dee I am very sorry to hear about Richard, he was a very special person. You are your family are in my prayers.
Cathy Ballew
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Again, sooo vert sorry about your Dad. I know he was loved by many. Love u Cathy Ballew.
Lorie Wilcox
Friday, March 28, 2025
Dee Dee and Family,
I am so sorry to hear that Richard has passed. Prayers and Love to you and the Family. The photo of Richard is just how I remember him. Even with time passing we still have our memories.
Love,
Lorie Wilcox
Tammy Yoes
Friday, March 28, 2025
Mavie and the West family, I hope in this time of loss you are comforted by the memories left by Richard.
Bobbie Criswell
Friday, March 28, 2025
Richard,
You were always a fair and just public defender. Thanks for all the knowledge you shared with me over the years. RIP
Sandy Thompson
Friday, March 28, 2025
Sending prayers to the entire West family.
Eileen Jentsch
Friday, March 28, 2025
Danita it has been many years, but I remember you and Richard with fondness. Over the last few years I have reconnected with Peter and have inquired about all of you.
I am deeply sorry for your loss as I remember that you had a close and supportive relationship with each other.
Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts.
Always, Eileen
Jenna Montgomery
Friday, March 28, 2025
Danita,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs and love to you and your family.
Jenna
Kevin Tinsley
Friday, March 28, 2025
Praying for comfort for the West family
Johnnie Goodwin
Friday, March 28, 2025
Danita -
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if you need anything. Much love.
Johnnie
Renee Samuels
Friday, March 28, 2025
Dee, I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all your family. If there is something Don and I can do, don’t hesitate to call on us. Prayers for peace and strength as you move forward. Take care of yourself.
Ruth Morgan
Friday, March 28, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Jeanie McClain
Friday, March 28, 2025
Dee
Randy and I are thinking of you and family at this bittersweet time.
I will always remember Richard as having such a gentle and kind demeanor about him. And oh that little chuckle of a laugh .
Much Love
Jeanie and Randy
Kim Robinson
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Richard West was a kind and gentle man, he will be deeply missed.
Ted Wray
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss!
Richard was one of the Good Guys!
Pam Cooper
Thursday, March 27, 2025
My heart goes out to Dee & her family. I have fond memories of running into Richard number ours times at Home Depot & shop talking! He was a true “Project” Guy! He will be missed !
Warren and Kathleen Cupples
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Libbie Dougan
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Dee Dee, Erin, Adrienne, et al, Please accept my sincerest condolences. Richard was such a good man. A gentle giant. One of my favorites! I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. All you all have to do right now is keep breathing. Sending hugs and red lipstick kisses! Libbie. Phil. 4:13
Hilda k ohillips
Thursday, March 27, 2025
We have lost a good and faithful friend. I am so sorry for the loss of this kind soul.
Rita. Ryant
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Many prayers for you Danita and your family! I’m so very sorry for your loss! Love to you all
Patti Northcutt
Thursday, March 27, 2025
DeeDee I am so sorry to hear about this. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs for your healing . Love you sweet friend.
Melinda and Charlie Patrick
Thursday, March 27, 2025
We are so sorry to find at about Richard’s passing! I know DeeDee is at a loss! We will keep she and the girls in our thoughts and prayers. Charlie and Melinda
Joe and Linda Small
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I am sooo sorry, Dee!
Kathleen Gatewood
Thursday, March 27, 2025
RIP Richard, Prayers for the families. You were a very nice and professional man and so liked by many. You will be missed for sure. Prayers for you all
Marian Taylor
Thursday, March 27, 2025
You and yours are in my prayers, Danita. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I've been there.
Amy Ethridge
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss.
Susie McLean
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Dear Danita, Erin and Adrienne, I was so sad to hear of Richard’s death. My prayers are with you all.
Erin and Ben Sutton
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Our deepest condolences to your family. We love you.
Candy Fleming
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Shelia Henry Hobbs
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Deedee and family so sorry for your loss. Prayers for yo and your family.
Randy Philhours
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Rossie
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I am at a loss for words. Ms. Deedee, Adrienne and Erin...I send my deepest love and prayers. I can honestly say, Mr. Richard was one of the kindest, compassionate, caring men I have ever met. He was so loved!
Please know that tons of prayers are coming your way.
I love you all!!!
Rossie
Delbert Pipkin
Thursday, March 27, 2025
So sorry for your loss
We surely lost one of the best
Rest in peace my friend
Pat Towery Allman
Thursday, March 27, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences. Richard was my lawyer. May God give you peace within your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Gary Harlow
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Prayers to the family left to behind to cherish the memories once shared. May the light of the Lord shine brightly on each of you.