Randy Johnson Vest

Randy Johnson Vest, 75, of Winnsboro, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his life, Kristine, and his five adoring children. After a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, he left this world a richer place for all who knew him. Born on July 9, 1949, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Dean Shepherd Vest and Emma Jean Johnson Vest, Randy was the original "big brother" to four sisters, a role he cherished and played with a mix of playful teasing and unwavering support. He married his sweetheart, Kristine Varley, on December 16, 1971, in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of family. Randy’s life was marked by dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to his family, his faith, and his community. He graduated from Brigham Young University in December 1973, a milestone that launched a successful and fulfilling career. He began his professional journey in Chicago, Illinois, working for Ernst & Ernst in public accounting, before joining Kimberly-Clark in January 1977. His 33-year tenure with Kimberly-Clark took him and his family to Wisconsin, Connecticut, and eventually Texas, where he retired as Vice President and Controller. Throughout his career, Randy’s expertise and leadership were recognized by his peers, leading to his service on the Brigham Young University National Advisory Council and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Beyond his professional accomplishments, Randy was a man of diverse interests and passions. He enjoyed staying active with basketball, racquetball, waterskiing, cycling, and adventurous motorcycle trips with his wife or brothers-in-law. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his fifteen grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pops.” He showered them with affection, sharing stories, laughter, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Randy’s deep and abiding faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his life. He faithfully answered numerous calls to serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including serving as President of the Missouri Independence Mission, First Counselor in the presidency of the Dallas, Texas Temple, Stake President, Bishop, Branch President, and Elders Quorum President, Missionary in the Okinawa, Japan Mission (Oct. 1968 - Jan. 1971), among other callings. His service was characterized by compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Randy will be remembered for his quick wit, friendly demeanor, and a certain admirable frugality. More importantly, he will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his deep love for his wife, his devotion as a loving father, and his role as a cherished grandfather. Those left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Kristine Vest; his children, Damian Vest (Jami), Jeffrey Vest, Kevin Vest (Megan), Jennifer Hatch (Shayne), and Julie Getmanenko (Stas); his sisters, Bonnie Smith, Collette Wahlen, Robyn Peterson, and MerriLyn Gotter; and his fifteen grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Damian Vest, Jeffrey Vest, Kevin Vest, Shayne Hatch, Stas Getmanenko, Carter Vest, Landon Vest, Nolan Hatch, Nikolai Getmanenko, Sawyer Vest, Aleksey Getmanenko, Dane Hatch. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 14, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Quitman, Texas. Available on Zoom with ID 960 7695 7744 passcode 255763. Interment to follow at Kelsey Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 10:00 am, prior to the service. Arrangements are under the direction of McWhorter Funeral Home. Please visit Randy’s online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family. We will miss Randy dearly, but we are eternally grateful for the time we had with him and the indelible mark he left on our hearts.

Randy Johnson Vest

July 9, 1949 - February 6, 2025