Carl G Vest, Jr.

Memorial services will be Thursday, September 29, 2016 5:30 p.m., at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. prior to the service. Carl G. Vest Jr. January 12, 1972 September 21, 2016 East Liverpool, Ohio Huntsville, Alabama “I just want to help the best that I can” Always willing to help anyone, in any way possible was Carl’s lifelong attitude. As a husband, a father, a grandfather, a son, a brother and a friend, he would do whatever he could to give his assistance in any form. As a college graduate, with a B.S. in Business, a student in military history, a Master Instructor in the United States Army, and a writer for aviation technical manuals upon his military retirement, Carl Vest wanted to ensure that his passion for learning and teaching were ever present in every aspect of his life. Carl and Sharon married in 1999, after a long friendship. Sharon had 2 children of her own, Tyler and Jordan, and knowing this he chose and accepted the responsibility to help raise the children as his own, creating a blended family bond and memories that will last a lifetime. Bringing another beautiful daughter, Marisa, into the world in 2002, they completed their family and raised them together. But with him, no household was truly complete without a Dog. So together the family brought in Kota and Nala. Carl made sure that the children understood right from wrong, made sure they completed any task given and to listen to their mama. It wasn't always easy but they grew together in love which created a strong family bond that will stay inside them forever. Carl was always eager to make someones day brighter. He was always finding a way to make someone laugh and smile. Whether it was a snide remark, a funny dance, or a silly expression. If it caused laughter, giggling, smiling or even rolling of the eyes, he knew he had made an impact and accomplished his daily mission. To quote his 7 year old grandson Peyton “I don't think Jesus is ready for Grandpa Carl, he's kinda crazy” From 1986 to 1990, Carl Vest enjoyed his time as an Army JROTC cadet. Upon his graduation from high school, Carl joined the United States Army. He attended Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC. After basic training graduation he attended helicopter electricians AIT. This was the start of his illustrious teaching career. During his time in the Army, he made his way to the grade of Sargent First Class. Carl had assignments all over the globe. His final assignment was that of an instructor at the United States Army Aviation Logistics School (USAALS) at Ft. Eustis, VA. This is where he was afforded the opportunity to combine two passions, the passion for teaching and the passion for aircraft. It was here at Ft Eustis, where he was named The US Army’s “Instructor of the Year” and as a Master Instructor to both American and foreign soldiers he left an indelible imprint of excellence. Upon receiving the award Carl was also named by the TRADDOC General, to asses all the training programs across the nation to ensure the best quality of training throughout the Army. In 2005, Carl was retired from the Army and this allowed him to further his career in teaching and helping others outside of the military. Not wanting anything less than perfection, Carl worked diligently to hold very high standards, and to make sure that others were held to those same standards. At work, he encouraged coworkers to remember that someone’s life is at stake in the aviation world. Throughout all aspects of life, Carl carried the mentality of always striving to do your best and better. He constantly challenged those around him to excel. To do this, he always led by example. He studied harder, researched more causing himself to grow, therefore using himself as a beacon of high standards. Lives changed because of Carl’s presence. Lives have changed because of his passing. Lives are continuing to change through the unselfish gift of organ donation, so others can have another chance to smile and laugh. Touching the lives of strangers who would not have life or healing without his desire to help. He is truly living out the motto, “I die so others may live”. Live’s will also continue to change through God’s touch and spiritual healing. Carl’s life, as brief as it was, spoke volumes to the definition of “man”. He always wanted to provide for his family, help his friends and teach anyone who would listen. His ability to capture a crowd, allowed him to be one of the most effective teachers and leaders most have ever known. He will live on through the hearts and minds of those who knew him. He always had a kind word and helping hand to those in need and never turned down the chance to teach. Some of the lessons may have been hard to hear from time to time, but at the end of the day, there was always something to be learned from Carl G. Vest, Jr.

Carl G Vest, Jr.

January 12, 1972 - September 21, 2016