Kendell C. Fors

Kendell C. Fors

1941-2021

Kendell (Ken) Clair Fors, 79; our beloved husband, father, grandpa/pappy, brother, uncle, cousin and friend entered Heaven’s holy gates on March 7, 2021 and is in the arms of our beloved Lord and Savior.  We can only imagine the joy that Ken is experiencing at this time.  What a reunion with those loved ones that have passed on to glory before him.

Ken was born on December 21, 1941 to Wallace and Peggy (Finch) Fors.  From poor humble beginnings in Strandburg, South Dakota he learned to live within the dash.  He found joy in the little things of life, the solitude of fishing, the excitement in watching a sporting event, but most of all being surrounded by his loving family and friends.  He never met a stranger and always welcomed everyone with a big bear hug.

In March of 1960 he joined the United States Air Force.  He spent 20 years in the Air Force being stationed in Washington, Oregon, South Dakota, Thailand, Colorado, Alaska, and Illinois.  He was very proud of his service and was loyal to his country.  After his retirement he began working for the State of Alaska where he put in 16 years before retiring in 1997 and accepting a job with Boeing in Oklahoma.  Ken retired for the third time in 2010.

Ken is survived by his devoted wife Terri (Garner) Fors whom he met and married in Alaska.  The number 16 is very prominent in their lives.  Their first date was December 16^th, they became engaged on February 16^th  and they were married June 16^th after a 6-month courtship.  Ken was 16 years older than Terri.  They were married for 42 years.

Ken was blessed and is survived by 4 beautiful, loving daughters; Christine and husband Alex Shepherd of Hanford, California; Kimberly and husband Garth Didlick of Gresham, Oregon; Cheryl and husband David Riley of Gresham, Oregon; and Autumn Fors of Edmond, Oklahoma.  Five precious granddaughters, Jordynn and husband Samuel Porter of Gresham, Oregon; Caitlynn Didlick of Gresham, Oregon; Grace Shepherd of Memphis, Tennessee, Emilee and Cheyanne Wagner of Edmond, Oklahoma.  He is also survived by his brother-in-laws, Jerry Garner and Cliff Pinner of Nicholson, Pennsylvania, Richard Bottum of Tulare, South Dakota; sister-in-laws, Dori Fors of Sheboygan Wisconsin, Terry Garner of Little Elm, Texas and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his father Wallace Fors, his mother Peggy Reddies, his step-father, Henry Reddies, his sister Patricia Bottum, his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Myron Nelson, and his brother Neill Fors.  Also preceded in death were his father-in-law and mother-in-law William and Ann Garner.

Family time was very important to Ken, breaking bread, playing games and lots of laughter.  Often times he would laugh so much tears would run down his cheeks.  He was happiest surrounded by all his family.

He is remembered for coining the phrase “You live in a tree” when thinking someone was experiencing something of greatness like beating him at a game. Never knowing where this came from, we chalk it up to a Ken-ism.  This has become one of our families saying.

 

Ken was raised and confirmed as a Lutheran.  Without the blessed assurance of knowing he would have a permanent home with our Lord he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on November 13, 2011.  He followed one week later in believer’s baptism and became a member of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.  His reassurance in a life of eternity was met on that day.  This he often proclaimed was his greatest gift.   Many a night he would pray for those he loved that they would find the same saving grace he found and spend eternity with him in the presence of our Lord.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Edmond, Oklahoma.  Visitation will be at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond on Sunday, March 14, 2021, from 2:00-4:00 pm.  Funeral service will take place at Quail Springs Baptist Church, Oklahoma City; March 15, 2021 at 11:30 am with Pastor Wade Crews presiding.  Burial will follow at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Edmond, Oklahoma with military honors.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to QSBC Leisure Live Wires.

We would like to thank Interim Hospice for their tender loving care.  Thank you to all family and friends who offered their love, their prayers and their support.

Until we meet again on that beautiful shore – you will be missed.  We love you.