Don Oran Forrest Jr.

1935 - 2024

Odessa, TX - Don O. Forrest, Jr., 88, of Odessa, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024 in Odessa, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, April 26, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Gardens chapel, 6801 Business I-20, Odessa, Texas, 432-362-2331. Pastor Jimmy Braswell will be officiating. Arrangements are by Sunset Memorial Gardens and burial will be at their cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00-1:00 just prior to the funeral service in the chapel. Don was born in San Angelo, Texas to Don and Maureen Forrest on July 24, 1935. While a grade school boy, Don's family moved from San Angelo to Pyote AFB where he spent three years during WWII. He then attended Kermit public schools until he transferred to and graduated from Odessa High in 1953. Don went on to attend Odessa College and transferred to the University of Texas at Austin as a business major. During that time he met his neighbor Shirley and was invited to take her to her Odessa High prom in 1954 and they eventually married on January 12, 1957 in Lovington, NM. Don and Shirley recently celebrated 67 years of marriage, which is a testament of his devotion and love for his wife. After college, Don began his business career in sales in which he showed real talent when he joined Melvin's Clothiers in Odessa full-time, providing men's professional business attire. He became one of their principal salesmen until the store closed after almost 40 years. Don also took interest in local business and civic organizations and had numerous friends. For a short time he was a broadcaster of Odessa College basketball games on a local radio station. Upon retirement from full time work, Don started his own part time business providing clients with personal shopping needs. Don was an avid sports fan, especially his Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. He was a fan of John Wayne, Willie Nelson, and everything Texas. He enjoyed gardening, genealogy and visiting with his friends. He and his family attended church primarily at Highland United Methodist and Bethany Christian where they connected with many wonderful friends and clergy; many of which have gone on to be with the Lord. He took part in leading Sunday school and enjoying fun times with the "frisky folks" church group. He truly never met a stranger. Don is preceded in death by his parents Don and Maureen Forrest, other relatives, and many beloved Ward family in-laws. Don is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Ward Forrest; his daughters Tausha Elliott & husband Chad, Molly Purvis & husband Royce; his sister Joni; his grandchildren Brittany Petri, Chelsey Click, Rachel Westwood, & Hailee Elliott; five great grandchildren; nephews Michael Johnson & Don Johnson; and other relatives & in-law relations. His kids and grandkids will always remember their "Pop" with his camera ready to capture photos from their years of family gatherings for holidays and other events, a hobby out of his deep love for family. Special appreciation to hospice nurse Michelle, care-giver Marilynn, and neighbor Robbin who saw Don as a second dad. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, please sign his guestbook at www.sunsetodessa.com.