Harry Franklin Forst

Harry Franklin Forst, born April 16, 1934, in Salem, Illinois was welcomed into heaven on February 13, 2026, finally seeing his first sunset from "heaven's side." Harry later moved to St. Louis, Missouri, Kingwood, Texas, and finally Bentonville Arkansas. Preceding him in death were his parents, Frank Peter and Geneva Belle Williams Forst, sister, Irene Forst Francis, brother-in-law Robert Francis, in-laws Ernest Edward and Ella Erck Bermel, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roy Bermel and Frances Armstrong Bermel, special aunts and uncles Amy Williams Schiermann and Edward Schiermann and Viola Williams Butler and Jack Butler.

Harry is survived by his wife, Ruth Janet Bermel Forst, daughter and son-in-law, Erica Ann Forst Denman and Timothy Denman and their son, Trevor (Coco Vasquez), stepsons James Denman (Sarah) and Cody Denman (Alexa). He is also survived by daughter, Beth Ann Forst Sheldon, and son-in-law, Michael Sheldon and their daughters Kathryn Hope, Emily Faith, and Grace Noelle Sheldon. Harry has one niece, Anna Francis Strong (Matt), and nephews Robert Francis (Barb), William Francis (Teresa), and Chad Francis (Jennifer).

Harry was a kind, gentle soul and maintained a surprising sense of humor which was usually accompanied by a certain sparkle in his eye. Harry loved to visit with people and was quick to express his love and appreciation for friends and loved ones. He always assured that his family was taken care of and consistently put the needs of others above his own. He never met a stranger, was enamored by small children, and anyone who came to visit him was a fast friend, especially Bennie Stovall with whom he would talk about packing their bags and re-enlisting in the army… after daddy first took his afternoon nap! Harry respected the integrity, resilience, and compassion of Abraham Lincoln and modeled his life according to these traits. In addition, Harry was especially fond of the philosophical and innocent writings and illustrations of Charles Schultz, relating especially to Charlie Brown and Snoopy. In his younger years Harry was an avid outdoorsman. He took pride in maintaining an immaculate yard. He loved to run and he enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Harry served our nation by enlisting in the army and fighting on the front lines during the Korean War. When he returned from overseas, Harry went to school at Southern Illinois University (SIU) where he earned his bachelor's degree in Geology. He then went to work for Emerson Electric in St. Louis, where he met the love of his life, Ruth, who also worked there. In fact, Ruth and Harry's first date consisted of digging for rocks and minerals! While working, Harry furthered his education, attending the University of Missouri, St. Louis and Washington University in St. Louis earning additional degrees in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering and an MBA. Harry began his career at Cities Service Oil Company and then transitioned to Gulf Oil Corporation and Chevron Petroleum and Lubricants. Harry finally retired from Summit Lubrication at the age of 78 where he was known as the "Polyalphaolefin Doctor".

Special thanks is offered for the care and Christian guidance provided by Rev. David Schmidt of Faith Lutheran – Bentonville where Ruth and Harry were members. Harry always enjoyed when Pastor Schmidt visited him, sharing his first smile in over a week with Pastor Schmidt during his recent hospitalization. Harry's family would also like to thank BrightStar Care. Because of his special caregivers, Harry was able to remain at home to enjoy his family, his independence, and his friends.

Services will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026:

10:00am - Visitation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1602 NW 12th Street, Bentonville, AR 72712

11:00am - Funeral Service at Faith Lutheran Church - Bentonville

1:30pm – Committal Service at Fayetteville National Cemetery, 1000 S Lt. Col. Leroy Pond Ave., Fayetteville, AR

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or Faith Lutheran Church - Bentonville.