He was born June 1, 1924 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Oscar Albert and Helen Blanche Huener Karmer. On June 6, 1953 he married Carol A. Hermeling in St. Louis, MO. She preceded him in death on October 30, 1993. On March 21, 1998 he married Caryl Rasche Wade Yakle in Scottsdale, AZ. She survives.

Forrest was a 1942 graduate of Webster Groves, Missouri High School. He attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO and later attended the University of Missouri. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943 to 1945 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and was awarded three Campaign Bronze Stars for New Guinea, Southern Philippines, and Luzon. Forrest spent his working career as a petroleum sales representative with Cities Services, Skelly, and Getty, retiring from Texaco in 1983. He was active with Trinity United Church of Christ. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, a life member of the VFW and a life member of American Legion Post , both in St. Louis. He was a former member of Rotary Club of Quincy East. Forrest was a lover of all sports, but he was an especially avid Cubs fan. He was also associated with various camping clubs and enjoyed coffee each morning with his buddies.

Forrest will be dearly missed by Caryl, as well as his daughter, Lynn Leavitt and her husband Rosseter "Rusty" of Bradenton, FL; three step-children: Drew Wade and his wife, Susan, of Alvin, TX; Lori Metz and her husband, John, of Mansfield, TX; and Margaret Poteet and her husband, Randy, of Irving, TX; 12 grandchildren: John, Jamie, Christian, Nathan and Peter John Leavitt, Jamie, Amanda and Courtney Metz, Bren Ready, Sarah and Diana Wade, and Carly Poteet.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Jan A. Karmer on August 20, 1973.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday January 2, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Timothy White, Rev. Rusty Leavitt, and Rev. Bob Hicks officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

Memorial contributions made to Trinity United Church of Christ or Good Samaritan Home in his name would be appreciated. Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements