William Vest

William L. “Bill” Vest, age 83, of Festus, Missouri, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Hillcrest Care Center in Desoto, Missouri. He was born April 29, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Sophie Alice (nee Rohrbach) and C.E. “Eddie” Vest.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his former wife Angela Vest; brothers Arley Vest and Bob Vest; and nephew Arlen Vest.

He is survived by his sister, Glenda Cowart of Valley Park, Missouri; many nieces and nephews; and his special friend of 30+ years Carolyn Boyer of Iuka, Mississippi.

Bill served in the United States Army earning rank of Sgt E-5. He was known for his kind and generous heart, his love of flowers and trees, the welfare of animals and his love of country music, especially Kitty Wells and the late 1940’s and 1950’s songs. Bill was a Christian and lived a simple but full life. He was a collector of many things. He started his career in retail working at The Brokerage Store on Festus Main Street and ended his career working at Festus Lumber Company. He also had owned a furniture store and a uniform shop in Festus and was known as a generous landlord.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M., Sunday October 12, 2025, at Crites Park (West City Park) in Festus. Interment will be in Presbyterian/Methodist Cemetery in Festus at a later date. Memorials, in Bill’s memory, are preferred to the Humane Society, Animal Protection Association of Missouri or Stray Rescue of St. Louis.