Josh West

Joshua “Josh” Dale West, 47, ascended to Heaven on Thursday, September 10, 2026. Josh is the first-born son of Rubel Dale West (Tanya Scott West) of Aberdeen, MS and DeAndra “DeDe” Robinson West, of Hamilton, MS. He is also survived by his sisters Jade West Smith (Jake Smith) of Columbus, MS, Katelyn White Johnson (Hamilton, MS), Gracie West, his brother Ethan West of Aberdeen, MS, and his loving grandmother Betty Jean Irvin Robinson.

Josh graduated Hamilton High School in 1997 and went on to earn a BS in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University where he had dreams of becoming a baseball coach. Almost from the time he could walk and barely hold a baseball, he was in the yard with his dad throwing a baseball. Josh played baseball for Hamilton High School, leading the Lions to a Class 1A State Championship in 1997. His focus and dedication to the game won Josh the 1997 Daily Journal All-Area Player of the Year award.

An astute and disciplined player who continued his love for the game by signing to play college baseball at Mississippi State University…a dream come true. Josh had an instant impact by hitting a home run in his very first collegiate at-bat at MSU which set the bar for his college career. Other notable accomplishments include a 1998 College World Series – Participant, the 2001 SEC Championship winning catch against LSU to claim the title, selection to the All-SEC Tournament Team, and he led his team in RBIs his senior year at MSU.

Josh was a quiet soul who loved the outdoors and would fish every day to enjoy the peaceful solitude. He was very artistic in the craft of woodworking, turning plain pieces of wood from fallen trees into beautiful sculptures. A self-taught guitarist brought forth the soulful expression of who Josh was. He touched so many people and led a simple life enjoying the beauty of God’s creations. Josh was a member of Friendship Methodist Church.

He was proceeded in death by his loving grandparents, Johnny Rubel West and Hazel Coleman West (Aberdeen, MS) and Dorlos “Bo” Robinson of Hamilton, MS. Among others grieving are a plethora of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and fellow athletes.

The family asks in lieu of flowers to please donate to The Josh West Memorial Baseball Scholarship to be established at Hamilton High School. Donations can be sent to Renasant Bank, PO Box 706, Aberdeen, MS 39730. Josh would be so grateful to know that his life had a positive impact on the lives of future athletes who are seeking their childhood dreams. Josh would want to leave this type of legacy for future generations.

Pallbearers – Ethan West, Presley Gaskin, Elliott Gaskin, Ryder Reeves, Jake Smith and Lesley Sullivan.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm on Sunday, September 13th at Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen, MS. A private ceremony with family only will be held in the chapel.