M∴W∴ Haskell R. Vest, Jr., was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April of 1960. His family moved to Belton, Missouri, in 1964 where he spent the majority of his childhood. He attended Cambridge Elementary, Walnut Junior High, and Belton High School. He graduated Belton High School in 1978 and the same year married his high school sweetheart Mrs. Joyce L. Vest. They have two sons, Haskell R. Vest, III, and Worshipful Brother Justin Nathaniel Vest.

M∴W∴ Vest enlisted in the United States Air Force in August of 1980 where he started a career which spanned 36 years. He worked as an Electronics Technician on Minuteman II Missile Systems at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. He became team training branch instructor in 1982 where he received an outstanding instructor rating from the Air Force Strategic Missile Evaluation Squadron. He attended the community college of the Air force and Georgia Military College for two years. He served four years in the Air Force and received an Honorable discharge in 1985 receiving the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service. In 1985 he was hired as a civilian electronics technician working on the upgrade project “Rivet Mile” for the Air Force. His civilian career lasted 32 years for the Department of Defense which culminated at Hurlburt Field, Florida, home of the “Air Force Special Operations Command”. He received 20 years of Sustained Superior Performance Awards and the United States Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award when he retired in 2016.

M∴W∴ Vest received the Three Symbolic Degrees in Freemasonry as a member of Gulf Breeze Lodge No. 347 in 2007. He served his Lodge as Junior Deacon in 2007, Junior Warden in 2008, and Worshipful Master in 2009. He went on to serve as Secretary of his Lodge for 7 years. He was presented his Gold Proficiency Card by M∴W∴  Dale I. Goering in 2010 and is an active member of his District as a Lecturer, Mentor, and District Committeeman. Additionally, he is a member of Orange Park Lodge No. 267 in Orange Park, Florida.

M∴W∴ Vest was appointed District Instructor by M∴W∴  Jim J Harris in 2011; District Instructor by M∴W∴ Jorge L. Aladro in 2012; District Deputy Grand Master by M∴W∴  Danny R. Griffith in 2013; W∴ Grand Standard Bearer by M∴W∴  Steven P. Boring in 2015; W∴ Junior Grand Deacon by M∴W∴ Thomas L. Turlington, Jr., in 2020; and W∴ Grand Marshal by M∴W∴ Jeffrey S. Foster in 2021 where he was awarded the John P. Duval Award for outstanding service in Masonry. He also served as Zone 1 Chairman on the Fraternal Administrative Endowment Fund Committee for six years; the Arrangements Committee for five years; the Jurisprudence Committee for three years; and was a member of the Corporate Board for Five Years.

M∴W∴ Vest received a lifetime appointment as Grand Representative Grand Lodge of Missouri from M∴W∴  Thomas L. Turlington, Jr., in 2021.

M∴W∴ Vest was elected to the Office of Junior Grand Warden on Monday, May 29, 2023, at the 194th Annual Grand Communication in Orlando, Florida.

M∴W∴ Vest was elected to the Office of Senior Grand Warden on Monday, May 27, 2024, at the 195th Annual Grand Communication in Orlando, Florida.

M∴W∴ Vest was elected to the Office of Deputy Grand Master on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the 196th Annual Grand Communication in Orlando, Florida.

M∴W∴ Vest was elected to the Office of Grand Master on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the 197th Annual Grand Communication in Orlando, Florida.

M∴W∴ Vest is a member of the following Allied and Appendant Bodies: Scottish Rite Valley of Pensacola – Knight Commander Cross of Honor; Morocco Shriners in Jacksonville; Beaches Shrine Club; York Rite Bodies of Pensacola – Cour De Lion Commandery No 1 – Past Eminent Commander, Mount Horeb Chapter No 6 – Past High Priest, Union Council No 7 – Past Illustrious Master; Knights of York Cross of Honor; Zelica Grotto; York Rite College No. 80 – Joseph P. Lesure Chapter; Allied Masonic Degrees – David E. Bailey Jr. Council No 531; Allied Masonic Degrees Wilbur F. Masters Jr. Council No 322; Royal order of Scotland – Maxwell Clan; Demolay; Cross of Honor, Rainbow; Grand Cross of Color, Past District Deputy Grand Masters Association, 1st and 2nd District Masonic Association – Past President and Vice President.