Craig Vestal, 63, of Livonia, Missouri, passed away at his home on Friday, March 12, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He had courageously battled mesothelioma for about a year.
Craig Anthony Vestal was born in Centerville, Iowa, on June 6, 1957, the son of Glen and Barb (Decker) Vestal. He grew up in Livonia and graduated from Putnam County R-1 High School in 1975. Craig married the love of his life, Shayla Jones, in Livonia, Missouri, on December 19, 1975. Craig worked for Rosencrants right after High School and then worked for Missouri Mining from 1979 until 1988. Craig and Shayla lived in Moberly for 2 ½ years during that time but, other than that, they spent their entire married life in rural Livonia. Craig was the first hire when Iowa Wire and Steel was opened in Centerville in 1988. He led in getting the plant up and running and worked there for 32 years until ill health forced him to resign. Craig also enjoyed being a hobby farmer with his brother Dennis as they raised cattle together.
Craig was a man of varied interests. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball in his younger years and played on some very good Livonia teams. Craig was a gifted musician. He began playing music with his family at the age of ten and enjoyed singing with his Dad and sister, Glenda, while he played guitar and brother, Brad, played the drums. He continued to play with various music groups throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and loved watching sports of all kinds, especially when his kids and grandkids played. Craig was a jack-of-all-trades: plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and woodworking. He loved to travel with Shayla and their friends. Craig accepted Christ as his Savior and had the joy of being baptized with his granddaughter Shaylea in 2010. Family was of upmost importance to Craig and he especially cherished his grandchildren. Craig had an easy-going spirit and was as dependable as the sunrise. He was a faithful member of Omaha Baptist Church.
Craig is survived by his wife Shayla and two children, C. L. (Mary Ann) Vestal of Livonia, and Alicia (Keith) Smith of Unionville. His grandchildren are Devin (Jazmine) Vestal, Shaylea Vestal, and Reagan and Tate Smith. He is also survived by his mother, Barb Vestal, of Unionville; two brothers, Brad (Jerri) Vestal and Dennis (Lisa) Vestal of Livonia; and a sister, Glenda Selvy of Livonia. Several nieces and nephews also survive as well as a host of friends.
Craig was preceded in death by his father, a brother-in-law, Clifford Selvy, and a sister-in-law, Missy Jones.
Funeral services for Craig will be at Omaha Baptist Church in rural Putnam County at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. There will be no visitation, but there will be a celebration of life dinner at the church following the graveside service and everyone is invited. Interment will be at the Hinerman Cemetery, Livonia, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO.
Memorials are suggested to (and checks should be made to) Hospice of Northeast Missouri or the Mesothelioma Foundation and may be entrusted with Playle & Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, MO, 63565.