Russell Dean Vestal, 86, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville, Missouri, on Sunday, January 3, 2021.
Russell Dean Vestal was born in Cincinnati, Iowa, on December 13, 1934, the son of Noah and Rosie (Thomas) Vestal. He was united in marriage to Karen Knapp in Centerville, Iowa, on May 14, 1960. Two daughters were born to the union: Deana and Stacy.
Russell is survived by two daughters, Deana Foreman and husband Steve of Mystic, Iowa and Stacy Martin and husband Phillip of Hannibal, Missouri; three grandchildren, Travis (Selena) Foreman of Maryville, Missouri, and Gracie and Abbie Martin of Hannibal, Missouri; three step grandchildren; Phillip, Brandon and Presley Martin; two great grandsons, Kolton and Christian Foreman; one brother, Jerry Vestal and wife RoseA of Melrose, Iowa; one sister-in-law Barbara Vestal of Unionville, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and lots of good neighbors and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Rosie Vestal; his in-laws, Harold (Red) and Pauline Thomas; his brothers Glen and Richard Vestal, sister Ruby Thennis, sister-in-law Jeanie Vestal and brother-in-law Robert Thennis.
Russell grew up and spent most of his life around the Omaha/Livonia area. He worked with his dad and brothers in the coal mines growing up. He graduated from Livonia High School in 1952. During high school Russell played basketball and had the nickname “swish”. Russell was drafted in the United States Army on January 6, 1958. He was based in Germany for 2 years and enjoyed his time overseas.
Russell operated heavy machinery for most of his life. He worked at Missouri Mining for 10 years. Russell and his wife Karen owned and operated Vestal Grocery in Livonia, Missouri, for 9 years where he made a lot of good friends. Russell was a people person and could talk to anyone. He loved telling stories and could have people believe anything he told (even if it wasn’t true). Family was the most important part of Russell’s life. He cherished the time he got to spend with his children, grandchildren and nieces, and nephews. Russell was an avid Cardinals fan. He loved fox hunting and was a member of the Fox hunters Association in Livonia, Missouri.
Graveside services for Russell Vestal will be at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Iowa, at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 7, 2021. There will be no visitation. Pallbearers will be Kevin Selvy, Troy Selvy, C.L. Vestal, Jacob Vestal, Joshua Vestal and Tim Hatfield.
Arrangements are under the direction of Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri. Memorials can be made to the PC Café and Resource Center or Omaha Baptist Church.