Fred Vestal

Passed away Thursday, December 30, 2004 in Phoenix, AZ. He was born July 4, 1919 in Indianapolis, IN the son of Fred A. Sr. and Melvina (Widows) Vestal and had been a resident of Kalamazoo for many years. He served his country during W.W. II in the US Army, and had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a life member of VFW Post #827, the Dad's Post #57, the Kalamazoo-Portage Moose Lodge # 88, the Beacon Club, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie 526, and the B.P.O.E Lodge 2511, Paw Paw. He was an avid fan of and loved watching the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs. He thoroughly enjoyed his morning coffee with his brother, Charlie, and re hashing the day's current events. Fred had worked for the State of Michigan for 30 years, at KRPH as an operator in the power plant. On July 6, 1940, he married the former Mae Field, and for the past 15 years, they wintered in Englewood, FL until she preceded him in death on July 7, 2002. He was also preceded by his parents, a sister Phyllis Sopel, and 2 brothers, Madison and Edgar Vestal. Fred is survived by his children, Larry N. (Barbara) Vestal of Kalamazoo, Carol A. (Jim) Fillmore of Phoenix, AZ, and Bob (Meg) Vestal of Kalamazoo; 15 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; 3 brothers, Charles M. Vestal and Harry (La Vonne) Vestal both of Kalamazoo, Paul (Kay) Vestal of Lawton, MI; a sister, Martha Molnar of Kalamazoo; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday at 1:00 PM in the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. with the Rev. Dr. David English, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to the Greater Kalamazoo United Way, 709 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.