Robert (Bob)
James Vest was born to Viola Birdie (Grant) and Leroy Charles Vest on September
1, 1950 in Creston, Iowa. Bob entered eternal rest on March 10, 2021 at the age
of seventy years, six months and nine days at his home in Ankeny, Iowa under
the care of UnityPoint Hospice.
Bob was
raised in Creston, Iowa and graduated from Creston High School in 1969. Post-graduation
he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad company in Kansas City, Missouri
until he moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 1971.
On September
25, 1971, he married Marcia Lois Bissell at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in
Creston, Iowa. After their marriage, Bob worked as an Iron Worker at Pittsburg
Des Moines Steel company until October 1972. In October, 1972 Bob started at
John Deere Des Moines Works. He worked at John Deere for 30 years and retired
in 2003. Bob enjoyed spending time farming with his father in-law, but Bob’s
ultimate passion was drag racing. With his wife and son, Bob traveled the Midwest
racing his 1969 Plymouth Roadrunner at tracks in Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio
and Michigan. His proudest moment in racing was to finaly achieve a 9 second
pass in Milan, Michigan. As a husband, father, and grandfather Bob was happiest
spending time and making memories with his family.
Bob was a
member of the Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, Iowa.
Left to
mourn Bob’s passing are his wife, Marcia; his son, Christopher (wife Lora); his
granddaughter, Addison; two sisters: Sherrel Miller (husband Dick), Sharon
Irelan (husband Don); brother, Leroy Vest; brother in-law, Bob Grzanich;
several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceding
Bob in death were his son, Nicholas; parents; brother, Rex Vest; three Sisters:
Patricia Vest, Betty Delaney, and Janice Grzanich.
Per Bob’s
wishes, in-lieu of formal burial services, Christopher will be memorializing
him in a solo pass during the 2021 drag racing season with the spreading of his
ashes through the finish line.