Norma Vest
November 6, 1931 — October 11, 2013
Norma Jean Gilpin Hicks Vest. Age 81 passed from her life on earth to a wonderful place where she will be free from pain and suffering. She died on October 11, 2013 at her home in Schertz, Texas from complications of COPD. She was born November 6, 1931 in Charlestown, Indiana to George and Minnie Gilpin. She attended schools in Charlestown, then Indiana University Southeast, Jeffersonville, IN. She began a career of employment with U.S. Civil Service at the former U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot, Jefferson, IN, and subsequent service with U.S. Selective Service at Louisville, KY, Cleveland, OH to the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Army Ammunition Plant in Charlestown, IN to continue her civil service employment. When her husband was transferred by the U.S. Air Force, she was also employed at Langley AFB, VA. She then completed her civil service career with NASA Langley Hampton, VA. She did not seek employment when they were transferred to Randolph AFB Texas, and she retired after 32 and one-half years of service. She received many citations and awards for her excellent service over the years. She is preceded by her parents, a sister Dora White, brother, George "Buddy" Gilpin, and brother, David Gilpin. She is survived by her husband, Donald B. Vest of Schertz, TX. Son, Arlen Dale Hicks (Terri) of Jeffersonville, IN and owners of American Industrial Rubber in Louisville, KY, Daughter, Debra J. Hicks Pitts, Real Estate of Dublin, CA, Stepdaughter, Sharon K. Moore, U.S. Civil Service (Retired) of San Antonio, TX. Granddaughter, Kenya Hicks Fugit of Clarksville, IN, Grandson, David Arlen Hicks (Heather) of Memphis, IN, Grandson, Kyle Pitts of Arkansas, Step-Grandson, Matthew Skeens of Fort Wayne, IN, Step-Grandson, Michael Skeens of Indianapolis, IN, Step-Grandson, Jason Young of New Albany, IN, numerous nephews and nieces, great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Following their individual retirement from civil service, both Norma and Donald Vest provided volunteer service with Disaster Services at the San Antonio Area Chapter, American Red Cross. They served about ten years each on disasters in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Norma was receiving care from Amedisys Hospice, San Antonio, TX since August 2012. The family expresses their appreciation for her hospice care. A very special member of that team, as well as a good friend who provided excellent care and Love is Maricela Cruz. The family also remembers another special friend Linda Ramirez for her help. Dorothy Luckey also cared for Norma and she is another special friend. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Red Cross, San Antonio Area Chapter. A Visitation will take place on Monday, October 14, 2013 from 4:00-8:00PM at Schertz Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00PM on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at Schertz Funeral Home with interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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