Gary Wayne Vestal, 75, of Leoti, KS, passed away on May 12, 2023, at his residence.

Gary was born on September 29, 1947 to Benjamin "Bob" Vestal and Bertha Walker Vestal in Russell Springs, KS.

Gary joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and served in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Army he returned to Oakley. He eventually made his way to Leoti where he has lived for over forty years.

Gary learned carpentry from his father and carried the trade with him throughout his years of service in Vietnam, as a farm hand, a general laborer, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Gary was a simple hometown person. He loved fishing whenever he could get away. He didn't really like to clean them, just loved the peacefulness of it. He was well loved and respected by those who knew him. He was always willing to lend a hand if a project needed done. If you wanted to know how to do something, he probably could tell you. He didn't always tell stories, but when he did you listened because it was either interesting or hilarious. "My dad told me I had the same pants to get glad in that I got mad in, so I took them off and burned them!" He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all of those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Vestal of Leoti, his eight children:  Maxine Vestal-Lareau and Bradley of Bedford, TX, Manuel and Anita Vestal of Elmira Heights, NY, Michael Thompson of Leoti, Terrie and Joe Wilcox of Tribune, Mary and Jose Cortez of Leoti, Rosa Vestal of Leoti, Violet Vestal of Leoti, and Peggy Castillo of Garden City; two step-children:  Bernabe and Tracy Montoya of Leoti and San Juanita M. and Lorenzo Salazar of Leoti; and two sisters:  Verlene Showalter of New Orleans, LA, Patricia Bell of Ladson, SC. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 16 step-great grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents:  Benjamin "Bob" Vestal and Bertha Walker Vestal; and siblings:  Benjamin Vestal Jr., Peggy Uhrich, Carol Riker, Florence Thompson, and Lawrence Vestal.

Cremation has been chosen. Memorial graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Leoti Cemetery with Military Honors by U.S. Army, Ft. Riley, Kansas and SWKS Veterans Funeral Honor Guard. Memorials to the Leoti EMS and the SWKS Veterans Funeral Honor Guard may be sent in care of Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home, P.O. Box 221, Oakley, KS  67748.

Sign the online guestbook at kennedykosterfh.com.