Ryan Kendall Forrest

Ryan Kendall Forrest was born on March 20, 1975, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Stanley Forrest and Vicki (Thompson) Downing. He attended elementary school in Lowery and Leach, Oklahoma. He later attended and graduated from Oklahoma School for the Blind.

Ryan worked for the family construction business before he became employed by Walmart, where he served as a door greeter for about fifteen years. Some of Ryan's favorite activities included singing Karaoke (he was a very talented singer), watching pro-wrestling and science fiction programs, collecting coins, holding yard sales, and being with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. Ryan always made time to check on his grandmother, as well, as his other family members.

Ryan departed this life on January 14, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 50.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Vicki Downing; siblings, Daesha Cagle and husband Jason, Kendra Hunter and husband Jimmy, Jonathan Forrest and wife Beth, Rhonda Decker and Nicole Manus; thirteen nieces and nephews; one great niece, and step-mother, Grace Forrest.

Ryan was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Forrest; step-father, Merle Downing; and nephew, John Goertz.