COL. ALDEN A. WEST
Posted on Aug 01, 2012 - 11:36 AM
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Col. Alden A. “Bud” West, USAF (ret.) passed away on July 24, 2012 at Patriots Colony of Williamsburg.
Born Jan. 29, 1922 in Worcester, Mass., to Dr. Gustav and Gerda West, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth “Betty” West; his parents, and his only sister, Eleanor West Hertz. He was formerly a resident of Newport News and Sarah’s Creek in Hayes.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Nancy (Sewell) Rowley of Yorktown, Va., Carol (Donnie) Wanstall of Atlantic Beach, Fla., Doug (Chris) West of Jacksonville, Fla., Pete (Dotty) West of Aiken, S.C., and Mary Jane (Joe) Vanderdys of Chantilly, Va.; 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Bud was a graduate of Worcester Academy. He then attended MIT, interrupting his college career to serve in the military and then returned to complete his degree, graduating in February 1947.
Assigned to the 12th Air Force, 57th Bomb Wing, 321st Bomb Group, 448th Squadron of the Army Air Corps, Bud was a B-25 pilot in the European theater during World War II, stationed primarily in Italy and Corsica. He later served in the Korean Conflict. Following active duty in the Air Force he served in the Reserves, rising to the rank of Colonel and retiring in 1969.
His support of military causes continued in Bud’s affiliation with the Order of Daedalians and the Quiet Birdman. He was a past president of the Langley Chapter of AFA, as well as National Director Emeritus. From 1963-83, he was employed by General Electric in Newport News, in coordination with the Department of Defense at several local military installations.
Bud was a former member of the James River Country Club and loved playing the game of golf.
A private family graveside service was held at Peninsula Memorial Park. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date at Patriots Colony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to James City County Fire Dept., 5077 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, Va. 23188 or the Wounded Warriors Fund, 4899 Belfort Rd, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, Fla. 32256.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.
