Dale Vest

DALE G. VEST IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dale G. Vest, age 70, passed away September 29, 2005, of natural causes in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Dale was born on December 5, 1934, in Woodville, Idaho, to John Arden “Ardy” and Ruby Elizabeth Dayley Vest. He was raised and educated in Idaho Falls, and enlisted in the United States Air Force when he was 17. He served in Alaska, Louisiana, and Wyoming, and received an honorable discharge in 1955. On November 1, 1956, he married Patricia Anne (Pat) Swanson in Idaho Falls where they lived for many years. Dale worked at many trades, including procurement specialist for EG&G at the INEL site. In the course of his career, he and Pat traveled extensively, and lived in areas such as New Jersey, Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and New York. In 1969, Dale began writing songs, a passion that would stay with him, and grow, for the rest of his life. Indeed, in the days and hours before his death, he brought humor and comfort to his family, reciting poetry and singing songs. With well over 120 releases by many artists including country legends Merle Haggard, Albert Brumley Jr., Jimmy Payne, and Doug Kershaw, his songs attained respectable chart positions in both this country and abroad. He was the recipient of over 40 music industry awards, including two from the Society of European Songwriters, Authors, and Composers (SESAC). Of all his musical achievements, though, he was most proud of his many recordings by Country & Western legend Tommy Overstreet, his close and dear friend since 1969. Dale is survived by his wife, Pat, of Idaho Falls, and the following children: daughters, Kayla Vest Jensen of Idaho Falls, daughter, Kristine Allen of Nashville, Tennessee, daughter, Kenda (Wythe) Jones of Idaho Falls, and son, Dale Martin (Anne) Vest of Pocatello. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and one sister: Waldo Clair, Arden Aceil, Bobby Lynn, Darwin Guy, and Lola Vion. Dale was blessed with enough enthusiasm to exhaust a hummingbird, and his wisdom was equaled only by his folly. He leaves behind a healthy dose of each of these traits to his wife, Pat, and to Kayla, Kristine, Kenda, and Martin and their children and the generations to follow. On behalf of Dale, the family would like to extend a nod and wink to Festus, for very special reasons. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 3, 2005 at Calvary Chapel (4250 South 25th East). The family will meet with friends on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Fielding Memorial Park in Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1920 East 17th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team.