Curtis Larry Vest

Curtis “Larry” Vest, 83, of Madison, AL, passed away on October 19, 2025. Born on August 31,1942 in Guntersville, AL, he lived a life as a collector extraordinaire, marked by curiosity and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

A proud graduate of Auburn University, Larry earned his degree in aerospace engineering in 1966. His fascination with how things worked—whether rockets, car engines, or the mechanics of a well-tuned tractor—was lifelong.

Larry spent his professional life as an aerospace engineer in development and testing of various missile systems with the U.S. Department of Defense. He retired in 1988 and continued to support the Redstone Technical Test Center as a contractor with various companies to include SDI, ERC, AMTEC, Sierra Lobo, and Five Stones, ultimately retiring in 2017.

Outside of his career, Larry was a master of never ending projects including building two A-frame cabins on Lake Guntersville, restoring several vehicles and multiple tractors and bulldozers and was Mr. Fix-It for all kinds of equipment and home projects. He kept every spare part, prepared for the next repair, and was always willing to share his stash or expertise.

He had a life-long love for the outdoors and deer hunting: enjoying the preparation, planning and deer watching from a tree stand as much or more than hunting. He had a passion for antique tractors and spent many hours behind the wheel of a tractor, where he did his best thinking. His quiet strength and dry humor left a lasting mark on those who knew him.

Larry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joyce Vest; children, Edward “Jeff” Vest (Lori), Curtis Vest, and Susan Rader (JD), aunt Mary Vest Martin, sister Debbi Barnett (Craig) and honorary grandchildren, Yenifer, Zul and Celeste Cornelio, as well as extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents (Curtis and Mattie Vest) and sister (Sarah Ann Vest Cordes).

Larry will be remembered for his determination, his love of Auburn football, his knack for fixing anything with an engine, and the way he could turn an ordinary day outdoors into something memorable.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on November 8, 2025 at Asbury Church, 980 Hughes Rd, Madison AL 1:00 – 3:00. No formal service will be held but will instead be a special time of visitation, sharing memories of Larry with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alabama Wildlife Federation (https://alabamawildlife.org/) or Legacy Center (https://liveyourlegacyhere.com/), a local non-profit to help support families dealing with dementia. In his honor, take a moment today to enjoy the quiet of nature—as he so often enjoyed doing.