Charles Howard Vest, LTC, 82, of Lincoln, passed away December 27, 2017. Born June 20, 1935 in Beaumont, TX to Rex and Mildred Violet (Rummery) Vest and raised by Wallace Vest. He was a graduate of Stamford High School, Stamford, TX. Graduated with a BS degree in Physical Education from University of Colorado (1958) on a full ride football scholarship. He played football for the University and played in the 1957 Orange Bowl serving as co-captain. While completing his education he was the Buff’s freshman offensive line coach. Following graduation he was commissioned a 2/LT in the USAF.
Married the former Sally Johnson in Chicago in June 1958. In 1958, be began his active duty with the USAF in San Antonio, TX. He attended pilot training at Bartow AFB, FL, and Enid, OK earning his wings in September 1959. He was then sent to advanced fighter training (F86’s) in Valdosta, GA. In 1960, went to Wichita, KS for B47 crew training. In 1961, stationed in Lincoln, NE as a member of a B47 crew, leaving the Air Force in 1963. Received his Juris Doctorate in 1966 from the UNL College of Law. Joined the Nebraska National Guard in 1963 and continued to fly until 1984. During this time he flew the F84, F86, and the Phantom F4.
His first job out of law school was as a Lincoln City Prosecutor (1966). During that time he coached the Lincoln Comets Football team. From 1967-1970 he was the State Aeronautics Director .
From 1970-1978 he served as a trust officer at National Bank of Commerce in Lincoln. In 1979, he worked for E Systems and lived in Tainan, Taiwan for 10 months while test flying all models of F4’s. In 1981, he attended the Air Force War College in Montgomery, AL. From 1983 – 1985 he was the Air National Guard Advisor and on the faculty of the Air War College, retiring from the Air National Guard as a Lt Colonel in 1986.
In 1986, he and his wife Sally purchased the Sylvan Learning Center franchise and ran the business for 14 years, selling it and retiring in 2000.
Howard was proud to be involved in his community. He coached midget football for 8 years. He served as president of many organizations including Svecia Country Club, Wedgewood Manor Lake Association, the Downtown Lincoln Lion’s Club, The Nebraska National Guard Association, The Lincoln Chapter of the Air Force Association, and the State of Nebraska Air Force Association.
Howard will always be remembered for his quick wit, sharp mind, and generous heart.
Family members include his wife, Sally; son, Steven Vest ; daughter, Karen (Ken) Kawachi, all of San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Emerson and Everett; brother, Rex Vest, Los Angeles, CA, and sister, Elaine Le Normand, Canyon, TX, and his beloved basset hound, Nicodemus. Preceded in death by parents, and sister, Barbara Welles.
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (1-2-18) Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd. S 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057, www.semperfifund.org or Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 www.christumclinc.org.
No Visitation.