Forrest D. Stoll

November 22, 1921 - February 19, 2023

Forrest D. Stoll, was born November 22, 1921 to Henry and Zona Stoll. He passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on February 19, 2023. He grew up in Elkart, Indiana known for manufacturing Band Instruments. He started to play the trumpet at the age of 8 yrs. old and his family & teachers noticed that he had a natural ability. At the age of 16, he played his trumpet and won the Major Bowes Amateur Hour, a National Radio Show broadcast from New York City (the American Idol of the 1930 's and 40 's).

He attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. on a 4 year scholarship. When World War 2 broke out, he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to the South West Pacific to serve on a coastal transport in New Guinea. At the end of the war, he was assigned as Skipper to bring the ship back to the U.S. After discharge from the Navy, he returned to Eastman for an advanced degrees. He met and married Shirley Minard. then accepted a position as trumpet Instructor at the Ohio State University where he worked with the bands. This led to becoming Director of Bands at the University of Utah and then Chairman of their Music Dept. Following his retirement in 1991, he migrated to Lompoc with his wife Shirley and be closer to their children Greg and Susie.

While enjoying his twenty-six years living on the Central Coast of California, he was a substitute teacher for the LUSD from 1991 to 2016 at both the Junior High's and High Schools. He taught private trumpet lessons in his home. He and his son Greg played together in the following ensembles; Lompoc Pops, Allan Hancock Concert Band, The Starlighter's Jazz Combo, Maestro Brass Quintet, RipTide Jazz Band, Praise Ensemble at the Methodist Church, Played hymns on Sunday mornings for Church Services at the Lompoc Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Forrest slowed down at age 98 but played a trumpet solo at his 100th Birthday Celebration with the RipTide Band. Forrest was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Henry and Zona, daughter's Gretchen, Susie and sibling Hillis. He is survived by his son Greg (Marie).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lompoc Record on Mar. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Forrest Stoll

Sponsored by Starbuck-Lind Mortuary - Lompoc.

4 Entries

Barbara Wilson

March 4, 2023

My condolences to all. Getting to see Forrest play trumpet at his 100th birthday party was something that will stay with me forever. What an inspiration. It was also an honor to be in the Hancock band with Forrest, as Greg conducted. Knowing that Greg and Forrest practiced together every night was also inspiring. I know you will also miss your Sunday family time, as well. He was lucky to have such a devoted son and daughter in law, Greg and Marie.
My love and condolences to both of you.
Barbara (and Sandra)

Barry Fredieu

March 3, 2023

I met Forrest at the Lompoc YMCA some years ago. Although I didn't know him that well. I admired how he still came to the gym and worked out into his 90's. I found out he was a WW2 Veteran and I remember asking him one day if he would be interested in being nominated to go on an Honor Flight for Veterans to Washington DC, unfortunately he politely declined. As a Veteran myself I would have been honored to accompany Forrest on a trip to DC. Sadly, another of the Greatest Generation has passed. Rest In Peace Forrest.

Kent Nelson

March 2, 2023

Dear Stoll Family,

Many in the U of U music community remember Forrest from the 1970s with fondness. It is comforting to hear he had a fruitful and full life in retirement. May he rest in peace.

Clare Archer

February 28, 2023

The Stoll Family,

My condolences to you at this time of loss.
I worked at LVMS from 1997 to 2007 and recall Mr. Stoll subbing there. He was was always a gentleman, so polite and friendly. What a joy to have had the love of music that that he possessed, and to share it with countless students over the decades he taught and directed.

Best regards,
Clare Archer

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