William L. “Bill” Vest, 83, of Festus died Sept. 14, 2025, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mr. Vest was a U.S. Army sergeant. His career began in retail at The Brokerage Store on Festus Main Street and ended at the Festus Lumber Co. He also owned a furniture store and a uniform shop in Festus and is remembered as a generous landlord. He lived a simple but full life, and was known for his kind and generous heart, his love of flowers and trees, concern for the welfare of animals and his love of country music, especially Kitty Wells and the late 1940s and 1950s songs. He was a Christian. Born April 29, 1942, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Sophie Alice (Rohrbach) and C.E. “Eddie” Vest.
He is survived by his sister: Glenda Cowart of Valley Park; numerous nieces and nephews; and his special friend of more than 30 years: Carolyn Boyer of Iuka, Miss.
He was preceded in death by his former wife: Angela Vest; two brothers: Arley Vest and Bob Vest; and a nephew: Arlen Vest.
A celebration of life is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Crites Park, 2232-2292 Hwy. A, in Festus. Burial will be in the Presbyterian/Methodist Cemetery in Festus at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society, the Animal Protection Association of Missouri or Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.