Mr. Robert Lee (Duke) Vestal, age 82, a lifelong resident of Washington County, passed away Wednesday, November 02, 2011, at Valley Healthcare.

He was born March 8, 1929 a son of the late Leonard and Mary Saul Vestal Stevens. A proud U.S. Veteran he was retired from the U.S. Air Force after 30 years of service he served his country during the Korean Conflict War. He attended Denton Valley Baptist Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Lea Galliher. A very encouraging and tender hearted man toward his children and grandchildren he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Survivors include his wife and “his angel” of 61 years, Suzanne Vestal of Abingdon; five daughters, Deborah Mitchell and husband Tony of Bristol, TN; Sandra Harless-Blevins and husband David (Buster) of Bristol, TN, Patricia Hearl and husband Danny of Meadowview, Cheryl Hogston and husband Johnny of Abingdon and Jill Arnold and husband Tim of Bristol, Virginia; one son, Robert Leonard Vestal and wife Deb of Abingdon; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Everett Stevens and wife Patty of Abingdon.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2011 in the Frost Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David (Buster) Blevins and Pastor Mark Vestal officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the time of the funeral service. The burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, November 4, 2011 in Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard and the Virginia National Guard Honor Guard. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. His son-in-laws will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.