Reverend Vernon Dale Fest

Vernon Dale Fest passed away December 25, 2017. He was born August 4, 1919 to Edward and Elizabeth (Smith) Fest of Decatur County, Iowa. Vernon is the fifth of six children.

At age 20, Vernon met the love of his life, Reta Maxine Cox, and they were married June 15, 1940. To that union three children were born, son, Darwin, and daughters, Karen, who died at birth, and Donna.

In 1942, Vernon and Reta moved to Kansas City, Kans., where he worked at North American Aviation building the B-25 Medium Bomber. When the war ended, he, Reta, and Darwin moved to Seymour, Iowa, to begin his calling and his ministry to pioneer and build a new church. Donna was born after the family moved to Seymour, Iowa. Vernon and Reta went on to pastor churches in Green City, Mo., Moville, Iowa, and Liberty, Mo. Reverend Fest was recognized in 2013 at an award service for 65 years ordained ministry by the Assemblies of God.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers; wife, Reta; daughter, Karen; and great-grandson, Mason Alexander.

He is survived by his children, Darwin Fest, and wife, Sara Fest, and Donna Hough; grandchildren, Steven Fest and his wife, Denise, Diane Meadows and her husband, Brad, Donneta McClain and her husband, Jerry, Christopher Hough, Matthew Larson and his wife, Erin, and Carrie Alexander and her husband, Matt; great grandchildren, Kylie Hough, Christina Fest, Andrew Fest, Maxwell Alexander, Cale T. Conder, Carissa L. Wallace, and twins, Thure and Haley Larson; two great-great grandchildren, Emerald Rose, and Elsie Wallace; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Family Worship Center, Smithville, Mo. Services will follow at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Thomas Boyce officiating. Burial will be at Van Wert Cemetery, Van Wert, Iowa.