04/16/2004
Funeral services for Edward Vail Fast, 87, of Knoxville, who died Friday, April
16, 2004, at his home, were held Wednesday, April 21, at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home.
Rev. Peter J. Peterson officiated at the service. Music was provided by Jim Kidder,
organist and Ted Dykstra, vocalist.
The interment was at the Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Casket bearers were grandsons
David Fast, John Fast, and Thomas Fast, and friends Dick Darnell, Charles Parks,
and David Thomas.
Edward was born on June 3, 1916, in Knoxville, the son of Edward and Elsie (Wright)
Fast. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Knoxville High School
in 1934.
Following high school, Van attended welding school in Marion. Upon graduation, he
returned to Knoxville and worked on the family farm and for the Lloyd Bybee Blacksmith
Shop.
In 1940 he purchased 1/2 interest in the blacksmith shop and one year later
he acquired the other 1/2 interest. That same year he renamed the business Fast’s
Welding and moved the shop to its present location behind his home.
On June 1, 1941, Van married Virginia Hayes in Knoxville. To this union two children
were born, Richard and Robert. In 1983 Van closed the welding business and retired.
In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and gardening. He also took his family to Canada
on fishing trips annually for many years. Van enjoyed nature and being outside whether
at work or leisure.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Paul “Bud” Fast, and a sister, Ruth Von Seggon.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia; two sons, Richard W. Fast and wife, Dian of Waukee and Robert D. Fast and wife Lila of Knoxville; five grandchildren; three
step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Marion County Humane Society or First United Methodist
Church.
Arrangements were made by Bybee & Davis Funeral Home.