Landon Leon Vest

Landon Leon Vest, 88, passed away on May 22, 2011 at his home in Kingsport, TN.

Born in Pike County Kentucky in 1922, Leon was the 6th of eight children born to Robert Lee Vest and Matilda Taylor Vest. He moved to Kingsport at the age of 15 and went to work to help support his family. At 18, he was hired by Tennessee Eastman and worked in the yarn plant until 1942 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the 401st Anti Aircraft Artillery from 1942-1945 earning 5 Bronze Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead while participating in campaigns in the European, African, and Middle Eastern theatres which included Sicily, Po Valley, Naples-Foggia, Rome- Arno, North Apennines, and Normandy.

After the war he returned to Kingsport and began operating a bus line from Orebank to Kingsport in partnership with his older brother Curt. He later went to work at, and subsequently purchased, the Edgewood Service Station later Eastman Service Station. After many years at the Eastman location he moved his operation to Memorial Boulevard where he and his youngest son Steve were partners in L&S Car Care.

Leon was a long-time member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees and chaired a recent renovation project. Over his lifetime he enjoyed a variety of hobbies including playing in a bluegrass band, square dancing, gardening, wood working, golf, and bowling. In recent years he competed in the Senior Olympics where he won numerous bowling medals including gold and silver at the state and national levels. In recognition of his lifelong passion for the game of golf, an annual tournament is held in his honor at the Teton Springs Resort in Teton Valley Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Helen Payne Vest, his parents, 3 brothers, and 4 sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Gonzales Vest; son, Tony Sandy Vest; daughter, Mary Jane Mike Austin; daughter, Bobbi Rick Davis; son, Steve Vest; step-daughter, Felina Kevin Justin; granddaughters Shannon Vest, Jessica Fowler, Shawn Austin, and Katrina Vest; grandsons, Michael Vest and Rob Davis; 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Leon was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His kindness, gentle spirit, and life led by example inspired all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Amedisys Hospice Services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Holston Methodist Home for Children, Greenville, TN or Amedisys Hospice Services, Kingsport.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service at Oak Hill Memorial Park in Kingsport at 2:00 pm on Wednesday May 25th. Please also join us for a Celebration of Life gathering at 6:00pm on Wednesday May 25th at St. Luke United Methodist Church.