Henry Abbott West IV

HENRY ABBOTT WEST, IV, 60 LAKELAND - Henry Abbott West, IV, passed away on October 21, 2014, at the age of 60, in a house fire at his home at 2701 Thelma Drive, in Lakeland, Florida. He served in the United States Navy as a Navy Seal during the Vietnam War. He resided in Lakeland for fifty years after moving to the city from Jacksonville, Florida, when his father was transferred here with Graybar Electric. Henry was a master electrician by trade for thirty years, and was an expert shooter and firearm enthusiast and had amassed a large collection of knives and firearms. He was very devoted to his mother and her well-being. He enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting and reading Louis Lamar books. He was born in Tampa at Saint Joseph's Hospital on November 11, 1953. He is the grandson of Chism Cortelyou Buchanan of Bartow and Henry Abbott West Jr. of Odessa, Florida. Mr. West was preceded in death by his father Henry Abbott West, III, of Lakeland, and his brother Edward Joseph McCawley Jr. of Lakeland. Henry is survived by his mother Joan Buchanan McCawley West, his brother Michael McCawley and Sharon McCawley, his two sons Henry Abbott West V and Chism Cortelyou West, his daughter Betty Jo West Armstrong, a missionary in Indonesia, five grandsons, one granddaughter, nephews Shane and Shawnee McCawley, grandnieces Riley Mc-Cawley and Taylor Mc-Cawley and Morgan and Delaney McCawley, his grandnephew Chase McCawley, his Aunt Mary Lois Byers of Odessa, Florida, and his Uncle Jack Spencer West of North Carolina. He is also survived by his very best and closest friend (more of a brother) Jamers Abercrombie and his daughter Brandi Abercrombie, who was like a daughter to him. Henry Abbott West IV was a beloved father and son who was loved by all who met him. He had a special connection to animals, his dog named, Doawg, passed away in the fire after refusing to leave his master's side. There was nothing he wouldn't do for those that he loved. He never missed one of his oldest son's dance recitals or his youngest son's baseball games. He was truly a wonderful man that is truly missed by all who knew him. He will have a full military service burial at sea as well as memorial service Saturday October 25th, 2014, at the Parkview Baptist Church at 11 AM, (863) 686-7166.

Henry Abbott West IV

November 11, 1953 - October 21, 2014