Eugene Vestal

Eugene (Gene) Vestal, 87, passed away, Monday, April 28, 2008. Eugene (Gene) Vestal was born on June 4, 1919 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from East High in 1937 and the Open Bible Institute in 1940.
He married his beautiful bride, Ruby Humphrey on Valentine’s Day 1942. To that union three children were born. Ronald (JoAnn), Sharon (Fred Webb) and Terry (Bonnie).
Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army 2nd Engineer Special Brigade Amphibious Unit during WWII. He was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, Dutch New Guinea, Sheuten Islands and the Philippines as a radio operator.
He was employed by Interstate Bakeries for 17 years, Iowa Des Moines Supply for 10 years and Duncan Sanitary for 9 years as a full and part-time employee.
Gene and his family had an impressive attendance and service record in the church. He was a member of the Open Bible Evangelistic Association in 1932, later to be Open Bible Standard Churches. He was also a charter member of Calvary Tabernacle, later known as Calvary Open Bible Church. He held office as Sunday School Superintendent, served on the board of Elders, Board of Deacons, and served as a Sunday school teacher and worship leader for more than 39 years. He served faithfully as church treasurer for 52 years.
In 1986, he joined the Gideon International, working with them in the distribution of God’s word. He especially enjoyed providing Bibles to young soldiers at the induction center.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Daryl and three grandsons, Jonathan, Jayson and John Robert.
He is survived by wife and children; grandchildren, Ryan and Aaron Vestal, Matthew and Elizabeth Webb and one great grandchild soon to be arriving, Grant Talmadge Webb.
He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and a multitude of friends.
A celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 1, 2008 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines; burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Gideon International in loving memory of Eugene.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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