Kermit L. Vest, 68, of Salem, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2011. He was born in Roanoke, VA, and was the son of the late Robert and Livie Vest. Kermit will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Kermit was affectionately known by many nicknames such as “Kerm”, “Rabbit”, “Frog”, and “Papa Smurf”. He graduated from William Fleming High School and received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1966. He loved aviation and worked for Piedmont Airlines and subsequently retired from US Airways. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shari Vest; daughter, Kimberly Vest and her partner, Yann Giguere; son and wife, Chris and Janice Vest of Mt. Dora, FL; step-son and wife, Leon and Melinda Franklin; brother, Robert Vest, Jr. and his wife, Ruby; brother, Lewis Vest and his wife, Anna; sister, Winnie Campbell and husband, Bill; six grandchildren, Josh, Tori, Gavin, Eli, Ethan, and Gabe; as well as numerous friends and extended family. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 2, 2011 from 5 to 9 pm at John M. Oakey and Son. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son, Salem with Pastor Nelson Harris officiating. Interment with military honors will be made at Sherwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or on-line at www.diabetes.org. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.