Richard Vestal was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, the third of nine children. In 1939, his family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas where he left high school early to join the Navy in 1943. He served aboard the escort carrier USS Corregidor in the South Pacific. After completing his time in the Navy, he completed his high school diploma and served four years in the reserves. He attended Pittsburg State College in Kansas where he learned the printing trade. Upon returning to Fort Smith, AR, he became engaged to Wilda Self. They were married on April 16, 1949 and soon after, they moved to Dallas, TX where he continued his education at SMU. Richard was employed in the printing industry for 15 years before becoming a co-owner of Jewell Printing Company. He and Wilda became an active part of Dallas First church of the Nazarene and soon welcomed two daughters (Susan and Pat) to the family and then several years later a third daughter, Pam, completed the family. Richard served in the church by teaching the junior boys Sunday School class, serving on the church board for more than 40 years, and volunteering to help out with whatever might be needed whether that be changing a light bulb, planting shrubs or preparing for the communion service. Richard loved his work at Jewell Printing, and at lunchtime on weekdays, he could be found sitting in his office eating a sandwich and listening to Paul Harvey. He enjoyed being a member of the Dallas Market Center Rotary Club in Dallas where he held several offices, including president. He loved fishing, woodworking, working in the yard and winning a hand of Rook with his friends. Richard was a devoted father and husband a man of steadfast faith, integrity and generosity. His life was a life well-lived, and he will be welcomed to the heavenly gates with the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Richard was a member of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan (Terry) Potter of Yukon, OK, Pat (Jerry) Bley of Yukon, OK and Pam McRae of Oklahoma City, OK. Papa is also survived by 7 grandchildren, B.J. (Jenny) Potter of Moore, OK, Matthew Potter of Oklahoma City, Julie (Michael) Shutley of Frisco, TX, Jordan (Adrienne) Bley of Oak Park, IL, Trisha (Scott) Brecheen of Oklahoma City, Megan McRae of Kansas City and Connor McRae of Oklahoma City and 9 great-grandchildren, Silas, George, Van and Jude Potter, Addison, Audrey, Avery and August Shutley, and Hazel Bley. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Jones of Fort Smith, AR and Brenda Zimmerman of Lake Worth, FL; one brother, Robert Vestal of Naples, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Wilda Vestal. Special thanks to Eden Care for their loving care of Richard at the end of his life and to Physicians Choice Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richards memory to the Dallas First Church Scholarship Fund at Southern Nazarene University. Visitation with Family Present Mercer-Adams Funeral Service Thursday, November 08, 2018 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3925 North Asbury Avenue Bethany, Oklahoma 73008 Funeral Service Bethany First Church of the Nazarene Friday, November 09, 2018 2:00 PM 6789 N.W. 39th Expressway Bethany, Oklahoma 73008