Dr. Fred West
Dr. Fred West
(February 28, 1937 – January 3, 2013)
Dr. Fred Mason West, a longtime resident and physician of Evergreen, AL, departed from this world for his Heavenly Home on Thursday, January 3, 2013, after a lengthy illness. Dr. West, the first born of Frank Mason West and Mary Kate (Terrell) West, was born in Berrydale, FL on February 28, 1937. Fred was baptized at the age of 11 as a member of the church now known as Community of Christ.
As the eldest child, Fred was charged with the responsibility of helping his Dad farm their land at a very early age. He set a great example for his brothers and sister. He was faithful in his work ethic on the farm and still excelled in school. He graduated from Jay High School in 1955.
Fred’s calling from his earliest memory was to be a physician and healer. He was accepted into Emory at Oxford in Atlanta, GA, where he worked on his undergraduate degree prior to being accepted into medical school at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA.
While at Tulane, Fred met the love of his life, Brenda Sederholm. They were married in 1962 and shared a deep love and devotion that would last for over 38 years. Fred graduated from Tulane Medical School in 1963. He and Brenda moved to Jay, FL in 1964 where he opened his first family medical practice by tending the sick, performing surgeries and delivering babies, always with Brenda by his side.
Dr. West was a big man in stature, character and presence. He had a tremendous passion for helping the people who lived in and around the Jay Community. He believed that to whom much is given, much is expected. He tirelessly ministered to the needs of his patients while continuing his role of devoted husband, father, son and brother.
In 1976, Fred and Brenda and their sons moved to Carrollton, GA where for the next four years he enjoyed a very successful practice including being Chief of Staff. In 1980, following the death of his precious mother, Fred relocated his practice to Evergreen, AL so he could be closer to his family and hometown. While in Evergreen, he continued to provide comprehensive treatment services through his community based family medical practice for over 30 years. He enjoyed a thriving practice in Evergreen until early 2012 when ill health caused his retirement.
In 2002, his beloved wife, Brenda, passed away. Those who knew and loved Fred saw the glimmer in his eyes fade as he continued on without Brenda. It was during this time in his life when he began to focus on the spiritual as well as the physical needs of his patients and anyone and everyone he came into contact with. Dr. West was very active in the community, local jail/prison ministry and especially with his church, Evergreen Community of Christ, where his ministry as a Priest and leadership will be missed. Fred hoped to leave the world a little better for his children and grandchildren. Dr. West was a hard working man who loved his family, loved his life, and loved his Lord. We will forever love and miss our father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
He is survived by sons Fred Mason West, II, of Evergreen, and Dr. Jason R. West, along with his wife Ann Michele, and their children, Jack Mason West and Mechaley Wingate West, of Saraland, AL. He is also survived by his brothers, Ben West (Ann), Don West (Maureen) and David West (Vickie), his sister, Sandra West Blackmon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Active pallbearers will be his nephews, Benjamin West, II, Donald West, II, David West, II and William West, and Hank Adam Locklin and Dr. Mark Roberts. The funeral service will be conducted by Ministers of the Community of Christ Elder Rogene Booker, Evangelist Gary Howard and High Priest Derrick Williams.
Funeral arrangements for Dr. West have been entrusted to Cope Funeral Home in Evergreen, AL. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, January 11, 2013 and the funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Immediately following the funeral service, Dr. West will be buried at the Berrydale Community of Christ Cemetery in Berrydale, FL.
