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Stuart Vest Obituary
Stuart Alston Vest Sr. POQUOSON - Stuart Alston Vest Sr., 75, passed away peacefully at home Nov. 3, 2008. He was born March 23, 1933, in Norfolk, and resided in Poquoson for the last 35 years. He retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years of dedicated service and enjoyed his second career and fond memories of colleagues and students from Spratley Middle School in Hampton. He was a devoted husband and father, a dedicated Redskins fan and an avid golfer. He enjoyed the slot machines at Dover Downs, crab legs and spending time at the beach with his large and loving family. Stuart was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Clifford Painter; and his sister, Faye Drake, all formerly of Norfolk. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 53 years, Katherine; his only daughter and her family, Teresa and Bob Crawford of Hampton, Sean and Heather; four sons and their families, Stuart Jr. and Sharon of Newport News, Amy Newton, Josh Vest and Jessica Harbor, Tim and Laura of Poquoson, Jessica and Lindsey, Chris and Laurie of Poquoson, Ashley Fox, Brittany Alger and Jordan Vest, Tad and Kristie of Yorktown, Gavin and Malayna; and one nephew, Norman and Susie Drake of Chesapeake. Stuart dearly loved his children, grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also loved the life of mutual adoration he shared with his beautiful and loving wife, Kathy. He held his extended family and devoted friends very close to his heart. Stuart will be sorely missed for his contagious smile and sense of humor. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Scott Kruger and staff at Virginia Oncology Associates in Sentara CarePlex Hospital, with a special thank you to Denise Stanfield. Visitation will be held today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, and other times at 25 Windy Point Drive, Poquoson. A celebration of life service will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, Poquoson, followed by burial in Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Poquoson Rescue Squad, 830 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, VA 23662. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Stuart Vest
Terry Robarge
June 28, 2025
Is this the family of Fay Drake who died out of state in 1960s? I believe she had a son Norman. We were the best of friends & truly have missed her friendship all these years. Is she buried in Norfolk? I apologize for intruding but have looked for her for a long, long time. I can still hear her singing.
Barbara Lyman
October 30, 2019
Stu will not be forgotten. My thoughts are with your family.
Lore McDonald
November 11, 2008
Dear Terri,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know the pain your are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hug,
Lore McDonald
Todd Kelley
November 10, 2008
Chris, Timmy, and family,
I wish to express my deepset sympathy at the lost of such huge part of your family. Please know that you are all in my family's prayers.
Todd, Julie, Christian, and Jordan Kelley
Sharon Woodfolk
November 7, 2008
Terri & Family,
May God be with you all at this time. My heart & prayers are with you. You know that I know the loss of a love one is never easy, but with the Lord's strength you will get through it. Let me know if you need me to do anything for you. Love Sharon (@ the DP)
Marty (Forrest) Anderson
November 6, 2008
Kathy, Tad & Family, Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. It has been too long since I have seen your family, but what a gift it was knowing and loving your dad. God Bless!
Shannon Walker Ferguson
November 6, 2008
Mrs. Vest, Chris and Jordan, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family holds a special place in my heart and I hope that you may find comfort in your memories. Please know that my family and I are thinking of you all.
Paula (Kiser) Belvin
November 6, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sorry to hear of your loss! May God Bless!
Laura (Lackey) Evans
November 6, 2008
Tim, Chris, Tad and the entire Vest family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. God Bless!
Barbara Lyman
November 6, 2008
Kathy, Tad and family: Stu's passing is such a great loss. He was truly a wonderful man who could always put a smile on your face. I know my daughter, Marty, thought so much of him. I hope you will find comfort through your many many friends and through the memories that will always be a part of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mindy Ann Davenport
November 6, 2008
Kathy and family, My sympathies for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Stuart when he came into the office. He was a hoot and will be missed. My thoughts are with all of you.
Mindy Ann Davenport
Tina Harris
November 5, 2008
To the Vest family , my deepest sympathy.I have great memories of Mr Vest from Spratley Jr high and he was friends with my father in his years at Langley he will be missed.
Tina Harris (Gray) Poquoson Va
Beth Gorrell
November 5, 2008
Mrs. Kathy and family, Mr. Stu will be greatly missed. I will never forget him driving down the road with the dog and waving out the window at us. There are so many more great memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself and each other. With deepest of sympathy, Beth Ragsdale Gorrell
Kyle Borchardt
November 5, 2008
I have never met Mr. Vest's family and chances are slim that I will but you should always know that his loss is felt in places that would surprise you. I was one of Mr. Vest's students his first year at Spratley and the impact he made on my life has been remembered for more than 30 years now. His faith in the kids that no one thought would become productive??? Well I wish the world could see us now. My heart goes out to you. You were so very lucky to have had the kind of father, husband, grandfather that he was, I know I was fortunate to call him friend. I ran into Mr. Vest around town for years and not once did forget any of us.
K.B
San Diego , Ca.
Henry & Karen Ayer
November 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with the enitre Vest family during this time of grief, Always keep the memories close to heart. I know he provided many!
Denise Hart
November 5, 2008
My prayers are with the family at this time... I have many fond memories of "Mr Vest" from my time at Spratley Junior High. I can still remember his laughter and his singing echoing through the hallways. God Bless (student- 1978-1980)
Judy Reynal
November 5, 2008
Kathy and family, Our prayers are with you. Stuart could always make your day brighter. You were blessed to have him as a husband and father. Cherish those memories.
John & Dot Stump
November 5, 2008
Tim, Laura, Jessica, Lindsay and All of the Vest Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you during this time. May God bless you and give you encouragement during this time of sorrow.
Lisa Brandt and Eric Ferguson
November 5, 2008
Tim, Josh and Family,
We are so sorry of your loss. Only time will heal your broken hearts. He is in a better place and will no longer suffer..We love you guys!!
Lisa and Eric
Kenny & Leigh Stump
November 5, 2008
Tim, Laura Jessica & Lindsey,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We wish you much peace & love.
Shirley Maleski
November 5, 2008
My sincerest sympathy in the passing of Stuart, I grew up in Park Place with him and knew his family very well, God Bless you and the family in the days ahead.....Shirley Jones Maleski
Walter and Karen Strode
November 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief.
Ray and Annette Firth
November 5, 2008
To all of the Vest family, we are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincere condelences.
Houser Family & Mary
November 5, 2008
Stu,
We are sorry to hear about your Dad. Sending our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
Steve Green
November 5, 2008
Chris:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Steve
Dru Bowman
November 5, 2008
Tim and Teresa and families, I know how difficult it is to lose a parent. You know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and all the Vest family. God bless you all.
C3 Corporation
November 5, 2008
To all the Vest Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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