Joel Bennett West, 92, of Evening Shade, AR, died on Monday, December 25, 2023. He was born on December 12, 1931, in Old Salem, TX, to the late Edom Bennett West and Irene (Wingate) West. Joel was of the Christian faith and loved to read the Bible. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, serving in Japan and Korea during the Korean War era. Joel continued his selfless service after the military by earning his master's degree in sociology and serving as a juvenile probation officer in Los Angeles, CA.

Joel is preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife of 23 years, Ruth West; his first wife, June West; his two brothers, Vertis West and Ottis West; and his four sisters, Ruth West, Ruby West, Ava West, and Dovie West. He is survived by his daughters, Ava Kelly and Candace Swoboda (Larry); his sons, Greg Allen (Lavonda) and Randall Allen (Santha); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members and friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR. The family will host a memorial service at a later date.