Robert Vest

Robert DuVal Vest, PhD. (81) peacefully passed at his home early Tuesday morning January 27, 2015 wrapped in the loving care of his wife of 56 years and a favorite comforter his mother made for him years ago. He lived in Deltaville, VA for thirty years, moving from Wilmington, DE. Bob designed their home here, and enjoyed watching birds from its many windows. Bob was born December 29, 1933 in Richmond, VA to Josephine (nee Pritchett) and Stewart Mosely Vest. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Lou Vest Alford, and brother Stewart Burnley Vest. He is survived by his wife Barbara Gray Vest, his three sons and families: Kenn (Sandy), Todd (Mary), and Brian (Laura) and his brother and business partner Ted (and Connie), ten grandchildren: Alison, Kelly, Courtney, Eric, Michael, Tyler, Connor, Will, Dylan, and Liam. Among Bob’s fifteen nieces and nephews is Will Vest (Bonnie) of Deltaville. This close knit family gathered annually in the summer, often celebrating with a cannon fire, the hand-made Father’s day gift years earlier. Bob grew up in Spotsylvania County, VA and attended school in a one-room schoolhouse. Upon completing undergrad work at University of Maryland, Bob earned his Ph.D at University of Illinois. He married his college sweetheart Barbara Monford Gray, and they moved to Delaware. After a 24 year career in research with E. I. DuPont, he retired. In 1985 he with his brother Ted bought Deltaville Marina, selling it in 2005. This avid sailor and Barbara enjoyed cruising the Bay as well as the waters off the New England coast, Bahamas, Caribbean, Bermuda, and Tonga. They traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Europe, Iceland and Tiera del Fuego. In a small motor home, they also drove leisurely around the country. Eventually their adventures took them to all fifty states. Barbara and her family are planning a private service with family in the summer.