Charles Lewis Vest

November 17, 1923 - March 19, 2015

Charles Lewis Vest, 91, of Verona, KY. Beloved Father and Grandfather to Diana Vest and Jason Fishel, was called to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Florence, Kentucky.

Charles was born on Nov. 17, 1923 to Charles and Clara Vest. He had two brothers and one sister. At a young age he started helping his father build and work on houses. After graduating from Walton-Verona High School in 1941 he served in the Navy until he had to be honorably discharged later in that year for medical purposes. Charles wanted to continue to help during the war and took a job at Crosley Radio in Cincinnati, OH.

In 1945, Harold and Marie Vest introduced Charles to Virginia Risner in Verona. Virginia's mother, Nannie, decided that if her baby girl was going to date she would need a chaperone. Eloise Arnett, her niece, that was eight years younger was elected to fill that job. Charles and Virginia, along with Eloise, dated for about 3 months before he proposed to her and they were wed on September 28th, 1945 in Walton. KY.

On September 24, 1949, they brought a beautiful baby girl into the world and named her Diana. For fifty six years they were together until Virginia decided to go be with the Lord in 2005.

After leaving his supervisor job ar Crosley, Charles went back in the family business of construction and carpentry. He received his Carpenter's Union Membership and was a lifetime member. Charles and his father worked on several buildings together that included New Bethel Baptist Church, Walton Verona High School, and countless others. Before his passing Charles told a story in the hospital about working on the church. "Pop and I didn't always agree on our plans for the addition of the church, but we always worked it out. We never got mad at each other." In 1958 Charles and Virginia built the Verona Store that they ran together along with the help of their daughter and parents until 1965. Charles went on building houses for friends and family and was a foreman for Turner and Messer Construction. Such Projects included Latonia Race Track "Turfway", Booth Hospital "St. Elizabeth", and East Bend Power Plant. In 1984 he was working on the bridge in Alexandria that crosses over 275 when he fell and was forced to retire from his injuries.

Charles refused to retire from his carpentry life and being outdoors. He had a purpose at that time to show his newly born grandso everything he could. From holding him in his lap, reading to him, making crafts, gardening, farming, and being a Christian, Charles taught Jason everything he knew. He helped raise many cows on Diana's farms and helped to get Jason started in the alpaca business. He loved animals and had many cats and dogs throughout his life.

Charles' faith lasted most of his life. He became a Christian at a young age and held on to his faith until his last breath. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church and served as Trustee. Anyone that knew him agrees that Charles hardly ever raised his voice and was one of the kindest persons that they had met. His family was important to him. He was a caring father, grandfather, brother, and uncle to many. He was "Uncle Charles" and "Grandpa" to friends and neighbors also.

Charles leaves behind his daughter Diana Rose Vest, grandson Jason James Charles Fishel, countless nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Clara and Charles, brothers, Harold and Bill, sister, Gladys, and wife, Virginia.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Hamilton-Stanley Funeral Home, Verona. Visitation will be 4:00 - 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in New Bethel Cemetery.