West, Marvin Edsel

Marvin Edsel West, 71, of Floyd, passed peacefully at his home onto his eternal reward on May 9, 2013, surrounded by his family. Marvin was born in Floyd on October 18, 1941 to Raymond West and Lottie Vest West. He was widely respected and admired by business associates, friends and acquaintances, and family and was a long time member of Floyd Presbyterian church. Marvin was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and family. He was never without reminiscence from the past and had the honor of sharing many a story with his family, friends and soon-to-be friends he met along life’s way. In addition to caring for his family, home and farm on Franklin Pike in Floyd, Marvin faithfully served the dairymen and women of Floyd and surrounding counties beside his wife and sons for over 50 years. His integrity, sense of humor, and calm, caring disposition made him popular among friends and neighbors who showed the family great kindnesses through the years. He is survived by his faithful wife of 53 years, Minnie Janney West; as well as son David West and his wife, Melinda, of Floyd; daughter, Susan Allen and her husband, Roger, of Madison, Wis.; and son, Michael West and his wife, Sheila, of Willis; his dearly loved grandchildren, Bailey, Michaela, Caitlyn, and Katie West, and Wade, Harrison, and Lucas Allen; sisters, Myrum Janney and her husband, Isaac, and Emma Lou Griffith and her husband, Frank, all of Floyd; and aunts and uncles, William “Bill” Vest, Virginia “June” Peters, and Irvin and Corine Vest. He was also well loved by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Marvin enjoyed being the adopted grandpa to the brood that surrounded his home and family. A celebration and memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at the Presbyterian Church of Floyd. The Reverend David Taylor will be officiating. Visitation will be held at Gardner Funeral Home on Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Gardner Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Marvin may be given to the Floyd County Tractor Ride, c/o Dale Thompson, P.O. Box 63, Floyd, VA 24091 to benefit local medical charities in Floyd County. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com.