Alton John Vestal Jr.

ALTON JOHN "AL" VESTAL JR. Memorial services for Cortez resident Alton John "Al" Vestal will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 at the Cortez First Baptist Church. Pastor Vic Powell will officiate. Alton was born on June 8, 1938 in Strong, Ark. the son of Alton John Vestal Sr. and Eva Elizabeth (Smith) Vestal. He passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at the age of 70 to be with our Lord. Alton had the pleasure of always doing what he loved. This began at a very young age in the ice business. The business evolved into a hunting, fishing, and gathering place. He worked at the "Ice House" as a pre-teen until retirement at age 56, seven days a week and he said it never felt like work. Alton met his wife, Alice "Faye" (McLoud) Vestal on the dance floor in Waco, Tex. and the love of dance never ended. After retirement, Alton and Faye began ballroom competition and teaching. They will live on forever through their dance. Alton's main love was of people, conversation and storytelling. Those who knew him will always remember his never ending smile and affectionate hugs. His attitude was incredibly positive about everything. His glass was never half full or empty, it was always completely full. Surviving Alton are his wife, Alice "Faye" Vestal; his sister, Barbara Sue Risinger and husband, Perry; his son, John Alton Vestal III; his daughter-in-law, Sandra Ann Vestal; and his grandchildren, Stephanie, Kayla, John IV, and Alexander. Alton was preceded in death by his father, Alton John Vestal Sr.; and his mother, Eva Elizabeth Vestal.