Steven Keith Vestal

A service to celebrate the life of Steven Keith Vestal, 70 years of life, is scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Monahans, Texas.  He died on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, in Lubbock.

Steve was born on April 7, 1953, to Kenneth Elmer Vestal and Leta “Mozelle” (Wilson) Vestal. 

He married Peggy Burton Russ on March 13, 1992. 

Steve grew up on his family’s cotton farm in O’Donnell, Texas. He was very proud of his traditional farm-life upbringing. From a very young age, he worked in the fields from sunrise until sundown, taking time off only for school and church. He frequently said that, even though it was hard work, he felt incredibly blessed to have had the upbringing that he had, and he “wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

He loved his family with all his heart, and his favorite thing to do was spend time with them.  He had a great sense of humor, finding something to laugh about in almost everything. 

Steve had a long career as a peace officer, starting in Martin County as a Deputy Sheriff. 

After several years as a mud engineer in the oil field, he returned to doing what he truly loved. 

He served as a Police Officer for the City of Monahans and later as a Deputy Sheriff for Ward County. He served Ward County as a Deputy Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Juvenile Officer, Bailiff for the District Court, and Jail Administrator. He obtained both his Master Peace Officer and his Master Jail Administrator certifications. The title of Peace Officer was very fitting; Steve had a way of calming down a heated or difficult situation with his quiet air of authority that he utilized at home as well. He firmly believed in the Golden Rule and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect and insisted that others do the same. 

Before moving to Lubbock, he was a long-time member of the Methodist Church in Monahans, where he served as a member and Chairman of the Trustees Committee. 

He is survived by his wife, Peggy Vestal, of Lubbock; his children: Michelle Reich (Richard) Grove of Big Spring; Kenneth Euin Vestal (Amanda Swigert) of Granbury; Jason Russ (Wendy Bridges) of Colorado Springs, CO; Benjamin Russ of Lubbock; and 

Miranda Russ (Kevin) Henderson of College Station, Also his “Bonus children” Kelli Taylor (De Wayne) Jones, and Kristi Taylor, both of Alabama; his grandchildren, Kevin (Arika) Grove, Christina Grove, Ryker Grove, Tyler Grove; Adam Vestal, Barrett Henderson, and Madison Henderson, and four great-grandchildren; his brothers, Kenneth Dan (Glenda) Vestal of O’Donnell, and Robby Vestal of Lubbock, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his parents.