Larry Keith Forrester

Larry Keith Forrester obituary, Jacksonville, IL

Larry Keith Forrester

Larry Forrester Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Airsman-Hires Funeral Home - Roodhouse on Nov. 20, 2025.

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Larry Keith Forrester, 76, of Roodhouse, passed away November 17, 2025. He was born on November 25, 1948, the son of Lyle Keith and Claudine (Starner) Forrester.
Larry graduated from North Greene High School in 1966 and immediately answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment – Blackhorse during the Vietnam War. One of the highlights of his life was his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2018. He was also a cancer survivor, meeting each challenge in life with quiet strength and steady determination.
On April 15, 1978, Larry married Judy, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. She survives.
Larry is survived by his children: Stephanie Gillespie of Roodhouse, Tyler (Emily) Forrester of Jacksonville, Drew Forrester of Roodhouse, and Brady (Melissa) Forrester of Jacksonville; and by his grandchildren: Josie Gillespie, Kamie Gillespie, Skyler Forrester, Clayton Forrester, Abigail Jones, and Mya Forrester.
He is also survived by his siblings: Karen (Bob) Nichols of White Hall, Claudia Seely (late Dan Seely) of Hillview, and Randy (Drenda) Forrester of Roodhouse; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister, Brenda.
Larry retired from the railroad and devoted himself full-time to raising cattle, a calling he truly loved. He enjoyed Jeep rides, riding his motorcycle-especially on trips with Ronnie-or spending time out in the pasture with his cows. Some of his favorite days were the trips to Bowling Green with his friend Terry, taking cattle and always stopping for a meal at the Cardinal Inn.
Larry was also an avid reader. He had a remarkable ability to retain everything he read, and he carried a wealth of knowledge with him wherever he went.
He loved his family deeply, adored his dog Otis, and was dedicated to his church family. Larry served faithfully as a deacon and trustee at Barrow Baptist Church, roles he took to heart and fulfilled with humility and devotion.
Larry had a sweet tooth like no other-he was known to order himself a whole quart of ice cream with a spoon, and enjoy every bit of it.
Larry lived a life marked by faith, loyalty, and simple joys. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his unwavering devotion to those he loved, and the quiet, steady presence he brought to everyone around him.
Memorials are suggested to Barrow Baptist Church. Services will be held at Barrow Baptist Church at a later date.
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