Lemuel David “Butch” Vestal

Lemuel David “Butch” Vestal, 76, passed away Wednesday, April 14, in Fort Worth.

“Butch” was born Feb. 14, 1945, in Wichita Falls. He attended Abilene Christian College. He and Judy Holland were married in 1966. He served two years in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana. After he left the service he earned a master’s degree at UNT and went to work for F & M Systems. The family relocated to Canada where William Edgar “Eddie” was born in 1974. Owning Assorted Tracks Taxidermy, a hunting and guide service out of Garland, kept him busy for several years. He then went into real estate, serving as a realtor and a broker for different companies. He enjoyed traveling and was active in his church, serving as a deacon over the teenagers and was in charge of the church bus. He served as an elder with the Western Hills Church of Christ. He returned to college and earned another master’s degree to enter the field of city management. He became City Manager in Electra, where both of his parents grew up. From there, he took a job at Forest Hill. He retired from City Management in 2004. Hudson Oaks called and asked him to work for them for two years, and he agreed.

He was preceded in death by parents, Jack and Bessie Vestal.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Judy; daughter, Alicia Purdy; son, Eddie; sisters, Ann Brandt and Sue Bradberry; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday at Western Hills Church of Christ in Fort Worth.

Graveside services were held at Highland Cemetery.