Randall L. Vest

Randy Vest was born in Viola, Ark, ninth of ten children, to Otis and Cecil Lee Vest. The family moved to Kansas City when he was three. He graduated from Northeast High School, Kansas City Jr. College and the University of Missouri at Rolla with a degree in Civil Engineering. Post high school jobs included being a scrapper for Hallmark, a grocery clerk, a ditch digger and messenger for Missouri Water Company and a licensed surveyor and draftsman. Upon graduation from UMR, he was hired as Project Engineer for Missouri Water Company, which was later bought by the city of Independence. Randy remained on staff, eventually becoming Independence Water Department Director. A journey from ditch digger to Director, where he took his job of protecting our water supply very seriously. Memorial contributions may be given to Christ United Methodist Church (Children’s Ministry); Puppetry Arts Institute; or Independence Sister City through the Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

Randy met the love of his life, Kathy, in a church play at Independence Blvd. Christian Church. The two of them enjoyed serving the community and their church. As a young couple, they were active in the Independence Jaycees and served as church youth leaders. Randy loved being involved in the Boy Scouts with his sons, Hugh and David who both earned their Eagle rank. The Vest family hosted two AFS students, Enis Alpakin from Turkey and, Sue Crosweller Gregory from Australia, keeping close ties to both over the years. To expand their interest in hosting international guests, they became involved with the Japanese Sister City Commission, where Randy served a term as board president and as a board member for thirty years. His boyhood involvement with the Boys Club led him to serve on the Boys and Girls Club Board of Eastern Jackson County and as board president for several years. In 1996, Randy and Kathy joined Christ United Methodist Church where they have been actively involved in a variety of projects and missions. Randy is a loyal member of the Men's Bible Study group and United Methodist Men.

Retirement years have provided wonderful opportunities for Randy to spend time with his family and friends. Trips with his wife and family, with C&A Depot group, and with friends were always very special. Retirement years provided special opportunities to be with his grandchildren. Trips with his fishing buddies and sons were a highlight—especially when they went to Canada. He expanded his service to the community by serving as a tour guide at Chicago Alton Depot Board and the National Frontier Trails Museum. He also served on the Public Utilities Advisory Board and Jackson County Ethics Commission and as an Election Deputy.

Randy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathleen, Sons: Hugh Scott and wife Tracy; David Randall and wife Julie, Grandchildren: Delaney Katelin Vest, Alexandra Marie Vest, David Randall Vest Jr., and Sibel Alpakin; Sisters Debbie Spurling and husband Dan, Virginia Ann Craven and husband Phil, sister-in-law Erlene Vest and family plus numerous nieces and nephews; AFS Son Enis Alpakin and wife Melek, AFS daughter Sue Crosweller Gregory and husband Cameron and family.