Jerry Wayne Vestal was born May 9, 1941in Cincinnati, Iowa to parents Noah & Rosie (Thomas) Vestal. He passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026. Jerry grew up in Livonia, Missouri and graduated from high school there in 1960. He graduated from Davenport Barber College in 1961.
Jerry retired from John Deere. For many years he also served as Melrose’s Barber ~with his witty motto being “I need your head in my business.”
Jerry married Rozella (RoseA) Curran on July 17, 1965. He was the proud father of two sons, Scott and Brian (Jeri), and perhaps an even prouder grandfather of four: Kayla, Luke, Claira Rose, and Max.
A man who loved & supported his family, friends & communities of Melrose & hometown Livonia, Missouri.
Jerry served as Mayor of Melrose & served on the Melrose Volunteer Fire Department for many years during which time they built the fire station & purchased Melrose’s first ‘brand new’ firetruck -instead of their usual ‘good used truck.’
He was a devoted member of Melrose St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Jerry loved music, loved playing the guitar, and had several bands. He was always willing to volunteer to set up his sound system and emcee church and community events such as Melrose July celebrations, church auctions and programs. Jerry was one of the creators and the Emcee of the Melrose Variety Shows.
He also supported his hometown of Livonia, Missouri. He was an avid member of the Fox Hunters Association in Livonia and helped hold the Annual Livonia Fox Hunts. Jerry was also a member of Livonia’s Bluegrass Festivals Association & helped organize and emcee their events.
He helped raise many dollars for worthy projects & left lasting marks on the communities he loved.
Jerry’s favorite part of life was family. Above all else, he loved his family deeply and cherished the time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
He loved attending sons & grandkids events, enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, boating, holding chicken fry’s with his special cookers, fixing biscuits & gravy for his sons sleep over guests, fixing waffles for his grandkids, cooking the Holiday Hams, playing guitar for grandkids to perform private Dance Shows to entertain Papa & Nanny, loved music & music festivals, enjoyed his & RoseA’s short winter stays in Texas and never met a stranger. Jerry simply loved life and now celebrates his new life in Heaven.
Jerry is survived by his wife RoseA; sons, Scott & Brian (Jeri); grandchildren, Kayla, Luke, Claira Rose, Max; and numerous extended family & friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, opening to the public at 2:00 p.m., with family present from 4-7 p.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose. There will be a Rosary recited by Deacon Edwin Kamerick at 4:00 p.m., also at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Father Ron Hodges officiating, and Deacon Edwin Kamerick assisting. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorials have been established to the family and will be directed at a later date.
