Robert “Bob” Byron Vest

Robert Byron Vest
May 20, 1938 – March 6, 2026

Robert Byron Vest, 87, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026, just after 8:00 p.m.

Bob was one of the kindest and gentlest souls to walk this earth. He loved God deeply, loved his family fiercely, and was always ready to help anyone who needed him.

Bob was born May 20, 1938, in Midland, Texas. He grew up in West Texas and graduated from Smyer High School before beginning a life of service to his country.

Bob served in the United States Navy and later in the United States Air Force as a civil engineer electrician and construction specialist. His military career took him across the United States and around the world, including two assignments in Vietnam, Korea, and Australia.

He retired from the Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant after 20 years of service and continued serving his country through another 20 years of civil service at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Bob often said that meeting Annette was the moment he met “the most beautiful girl in the world,” and he lovingly called her his “dream come true.” They were married on January 9, 1971, and shared 55 years of faithful marriage built on love, devotion, and unwavering commitment to one another and their family.

After retiring, Bob and Annette moved to Midland in 2009, returning to the community where Bob’s life had begun. There they joined Crestview Baptist Church, where Bob faithfully served for many years, including as a deacon.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Dorothy Vest.

He is survived by his wife, Annette Vest; daughter Tami Fourqurean and her husband Steve; son Randy Vest and his wife Autumn; and grandchildren Kiley Fourqurean, Mackenzie Vest, Haley Vest, and Reston Vest, all of Midland. He is also survived by brothers Donald Vest and his wife Linda of Smyer, Texas, and Gilbert Vest and his wife Judy of Corpus Christi, Texas, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland, Texas, with a graveside service to follow. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of Bob’s faithful service to his country.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Midland for their compassionate care. Special thanks to Dr. Summer Merritt and Julie Rodriguez for their kindness and care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Midland.

While Bob will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him. Bob’s legacy of faith, service, and love will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Byron Vest, please visit our Tribute Store.