Vernon West
Vernon Clifford West, 105, of Marshalltown, IA passed away at Iowa River Hospice in Marshalltown on Saturday, July 12, 2025, just 19 days shy of his 106th birthday, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his devoted family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown following the funeral service. Luncheon will follow burial in the church fellowship hall. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Vernon was born at home in Marshalltown–the very home he would live in for nearly his entire life. He was the son of Sim (Caleb Simeon) West and Mabel (Nelson) West.
A lifelong member of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Vernon was baptized and confirmed at age 14 and remained an active member for 91 years. It was at church where he met his future wife, Marie Case. He grew up hunting rabbit, squirrel, and pheasant with his father, riding bikes with his neighborhood gang, swimming in Lynn Creek and a quarry off 22nd Street, sledding down Nevada and Elmwood Country Club hills, and sleeping on the porch in the summer. He attended Glick Elementary and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1937.
In September 1941, Vernon was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was assigned to the 27th Division, 106th Infantry, Company L. He was initially stationed on Oahu and The Big Island of Hawaii for island defense. He later saw combat on Eniwetok and Saipan, serving as an assistant gunner on a 60mm mortar squad. In March 1945, Vernon was granted leave and returned to Marshalltown, where he married Marie Case. He was discharged in May 1945 with the rank of Private First Class. Vernon and Marie raised two children, Janet and Gary. They observed 65 years of marriage before her passing in 2010. Vernon worked 32 years for Fishers, retiring in 1977 as a research technician.
He loved to travel, making cherished memories on trips to Estes Park, scenic bus tours, and camping adventures. He and Marie camped in Branson, Missouri an incredible 22 times. A longtime bowler, Vernon played in a league well into his 80s. He also loved watching his favorite sports teams. His three favorite words were “Let’s get peeeezah!” (Pizza Hut, of course). Vernon enjoyed baking and sharing homemade treats with his family, his fudge and sweet tooth were both legendary. He enjoyed sitting on his porch with a cup of coffee in hand, simply enjoying the day. Vernon lived a full, joyful life – and he vas (was) a Swede!
Vernon is survived by his children: Janet Swanson of Hudson and Gary (Cindy) West of Marshalltown; grandchildren: Brent (Sarah) Swanson of Ames, Brian (Jackie) Swanson of Topeka, Kansas, Britt (Ted) Mikels of Waterloo, and Nicholas (Diana) West of Coralville. His memory lives on through his great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Brennan, and Camdyn Swanson; Nathaniel, Clara, and Charlie Swanson; Aspen, Summer, and Creighton Mikels; and Francis and Anthony West. He is also survived by his niece Beverly Collins and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Marie; his son-in-law Don Swanson; his sister Helen and brother-in-law Florian Wilcox; two brothers who died in infancy; and his niece Barbara Scafferi.
Memorials may be directed to Central Christian Church or to the family.