John L. Vest, 88, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Flagstaff, Arizona, surrounded by the love of his family and the faith that guided his life. John lived a life marked by devotion to God, to his family, and to the communities he served. He was born on May 21, 1938, in Waldron, Arkansas, to G.F. and Jewel (Little) Vest, He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret "Peggy" (Johnson) Vest; their children Tim Vest (Kim), Laurinda (Vest) O'Connell (Mark), and Troy Vest (Teresa); ten grandchildren; six great‑grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

John first visited Arizona in 1954. He returned for college and later graduated from Northern Arizona University (then Arizona State College) in 1965. His professional life began on the Navajo Nation as a science teacher in Chinle, Arizona, where he discovered his calling to serve rural communities through education. He later taught in Willcox, Arizona, and Globe, Arizona, before earning his administrator's certificate from NAU in 1973. John served in administration as Assistant Principal in Globe, and then, beginning in 1980, as Principal and later as Superintendent of Grand Canyon Unified Public Schools in Grand Canyon National Park.

John believed public education was integral to the continuation of society and democracy and the right of every person, regardless of their circumstances. He sought to provide quality, well-grounded instruction to students, as well as a place for community and families. He served with integrity and compassion and left the places he served better than he found them.

Throughout his career, John was a tireless advocate for students and families in underserved areas. He rode countless miles on school buses to support athletic teams, spent innumerable hours on bleachers cheering on students in sports, band, and theater, and chaperoned dances and school events. He was always the last to leave, making sure every student had a ride home and every door was locked. He also served for many years as a trustee for Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, contributing his wisdom and experience to the broader educational community, and was a long-standing member of Rotary International.

John's life was anchored in his deep Christian faith. Following his master's degree from NAU, he attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, studying church education with the intention of serving small congregations that needed strong biblical grounding. He and Peggy were faithful members of the local Baptist church in the towns where they lived, with John teaching Sunday School and serving as a deacon and elder. Their home was a place of welcome—open to anyone who needed family, fellowship, a warm meal, or simply a place to belong.

In retirement, John continued to serve. He remodeled homes, joined mission building teams on the Navajo Reservation and beyond, and helped restore the wooden arches at The Shrine of the Ages in Grand Canyon National Park. He delighted in designing and landscaping the yards of their homes in Williams and later in Flagstaff. A lifelong "putterer," he built tables and shelves for every home he and Peggy lived in. He was an avid reader and loved the outdoors, hiking in the Grand Canyon, cutting firewood, exploring dirt roads in his pickup, and working in his yard. Northern Arizona was his heart's home, and he never tired of its "Arizona blue" skies and wide‑open spaces.

John loved exploring the backcountry with Peggy, taking dirt roads and sheep trails to remote corners of the Colorado Plateau. They traveled widely, including memorable road trips across the country and to Alaska. But no matter where he went, John's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father who offered unconditional love, steady support, and unwavering belief in his children. He treasured being a Granddad and Great-Grandfather. Mostly, he adored Peggy. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in just a few days. He often said she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Their marriage—rooted in faith, respect, and deep affection—was a testament to a lifetime of partnership, service, laughter, and love.

Above everything, John loved the Lord and sought to reflect the love of Jesus in all he did. In his death, as in his life, he points people toward the saving grace of Christ and the beauty of a life lived in service.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Flagstaff Elks Lodge, 2101 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to the Flagstaff Sunshine Rescue Mission and Hope Cottage, or to your local public school.