INDEPENDENCE, Missouri—Donald Lawrence Vest, Sr., of Independence, MO and formerly of Boone, Iowa, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, March 20, 2021. He was 89 years old.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021 at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Boone, Iowa.
Don was born July 29, 1931 in Boone, Iowa. He attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School before enlisting to serve in the United States Nave during the Korean War.
Don was united in marriage with Patsy Chowhick. From this union, were nine children. The couple later divorced.
In his lifetime, Don owned and operated two restaurants, one in Tama, IA and the other, Spadra Marina, in Clarksville, AR. He retired as Yard Master in 1987, after 30 years with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. Don was also a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion. He enjoyed being a long-time member of the VFW and Kiwanis, as well as, spending his time dancing, watching sports, woodworking, gardening and playing scratch-offs. He was also known for his love of all animals, especially his beloved dog, Joe-Joe.
Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Colleen Riddle-Vest; mother, Margaret Vest; brothers, Bob, Aaron and Jack; sons, Donny, Jimmy and David; and two grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Chris (Mike) Kriegal, Tom (Janet) Vest, Jolene (Ed) Haughey, Tim Vest, all of Tama, IA, Kevin Vest of N. Liberty, MO, Michael (Chris) Vest of Grinnell, IA, and daughter-in-law, Dawn Vest; step-children, Tim (Wendy) Riddle of Independence, MO, Michael (Shelley) Riddle of Lincoln, NE, Teri (Troy) Bradbury of Blue Springs, MO, and Mark Riddle of Des Moines, IA; his sister, Ethel Anne Morgan of Boone, IA; as well as many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Don’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
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