VESTAL, Ronald Lee "Ron" - b. October 29, 1948 - d. August 17, 2024

[patyrn]

Ronald Lee Vestal, beloved husband, father, and grandfather and a lifelong resident of Longton, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on August 17, 2024 at the age of 75, surrounded by his family.  Ronald, known affectionately as Ron, was born on October 29, 1948 in Independence, Kansas, the only child of Loren and Vera (Newbill) Vestal.

Ron spent his entire life in Longton, a community he was proud to call home.  He graduated from Longton High School in 1966 and always appreciated the simple, close-knit life that the community offered.  On April 4, 1972, Ron married the love of his life, Barbara Jo Edwards in Moline, Kansas.  The couple shared 52 wonderful years together, raising three daughters and creating a life filled with love, laughter, and joy.

Ron dedicated many years to serving his community as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Longton, Kansas.  His commitment to his work and the people he served was a testament to his strong work ethic and kind-hearted nature.  In addition to his professional career, Ron took great pride in caring for his family farm located two miles south of Longton.  He enjoyed tending to the land, raising cattle, and ensuring that the farm remained a cherished part of the family's legacy.

Ron was a man of many talents.  He was known for his love of woodworking, fishing, gardening, and tending to his flowers and cattle.  His inventive and creative spirit shone through in the projects he took on, and he was always ready with a joke, a prank, or a card game to share with family and friends.  Ron had a deep appreciation for music and a particular fondness for his sweets.

Above all, Ron treasured the time spent with his family.  He was a devoted father to his three daughters, Alisa (Mark) Ashenfelter of Longton, Kansas, Julie Vestal of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Polly (Matthew) Dvorak of Olathe, Kansas.  His grandchildren, Isaiah, Madison, Callie, Abigail, Sydnee, London, Elijah, Benjamin, and Mikah along with his great-grandchildren, Weston and Archer, were the light of his life.

Ron's legacy of love, humor, and ingenuity will be cherished by his family and all who knew him.  His pride in being a lifelong citizen of Longton and his dedication to his family farm will be remembered as integral parts of his life.  He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.

A graveside service will be held at the Elk Falls Cemetery in Elk Falls, Kansas at 10:30 on Saturday, August 24, 2024 where family, friends and the community will gather to celebrate Ron's life and bid him a fond farewell.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)