Franklin D Forrest

Franklin D. Forrest was born on November 25, 1940, to the union of Marshall D. and Dorothy (Lorick) Forrest in Sikeston, MO. Both preceding him in death.
He moved to Niles at an early age, where he was educated in the Niles Community School System.
Franklin was a dedicated worker, employed at Clark Equipment for many years before retiring in 1990. He was also a proud member of The Amvets Post 66, where he served for many years.
A man of great faith, Franklin was a member of ICU Ministries under the leadership of Rev. Sylvester Williams. He loved attending service every Sunday and being at the radio station WUBS during the week, until his health declined.
Never letting a good story get in the way of the truth; Franklin filled the room with laughter and imagination. He was known for his passions, which included fishing, watching old westerns, and cheering on sports teams. He particularly loved Notre Dame.
His bond with his granddaughter, Alexzandria, was particularly special. When she was younger, he loved picking her up from school, often greeting her with a big smile and a trip to McDonald's, a routine that became their special tradition. She would always say she "tricked" her grandpa into getting her McDonald's every day, but the truth was he loved every moment of it.
In recent years, as his health declined, he cherished visits from family and friends, often talking about his visitors for days on end.
Franklin entered into eternity on October 12, 2025, surrounded by his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory; his children: Cheri Forrest (Perry) Sanders, Kimberly Forrest Walker, Felicia L. Forrest, Terisa Fisher, Fhonda M. Forrest, Fayonna A. Forrest, Samuel Johnson, and Joy L. Forrest.
Franklin is survived by his only living sibling: his brother, Eddie Forrest Sr., along with 17 grandchildren and 3 special nieces (Marvia Robinson, Paulette Johnson, and Angela Denard) 2 special nephews (Edward L. Forrest and Timothy Johnson). Franklin had a multitude of nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart, as well as special friends: Maurice and Cynthia Burton, Martha Suggs, Brian Town, and Vertis Alexander.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alfreida Richardson Forrest; his daughter, Charlene Jackson; nine sisters (Sadie L. Moffit, Leona Johnson, Ethel Huffman, Dorothy J. Forrest, Katherine Clark, Betty Joe, Betty Jan, Betty Jean Forrest, and Margie Denard); and three brothers (William "Sam" Forrest, Robert "Bob" Forrest, and Marshall Darnell Forrest).
Franklin will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.
A special thank you to Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital, The Ernestine Raclin House, Tracy Forrest, and Cobb Funeral Home.
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