Larry Forrester
1944 – 2019
Walter Larry Forrester departed this world to share eternity with his Lord on April 4, 2019.
Larry was born on July 2, 1944, to loving parents-Bill and Jane Forrester-in Ft. Worth, TX. Larry spent his childhood and teen years near sunny San Diego. He was frequently found at the beach and loved to surf and play sports. Little brothers Bob and Mark tagged along on his many adventures while sister Jan wasn’t far behind. The family was faithful and active at the Lemon Grove Church of Christ.
Larry graduated from Mount Miguel High School in 1962. As a student at Grossmont College in El Cajon, CA, Larry was a standout track athlete in hurdles and high jump. While on a mission trip to Hawaii, he met a group of Christians from Oklahoma City. That encounter eventually led to a track scholarship at Oklahoma Christian College. Larry packed up and moved east. All his CA family would eventually join him in Oklahoma. The lifelong friends Larry met at OCC included his best friend-wife of almost fifty-one years, Judy. Larry graduated from Oklahoma Christian in 1968.
After a career as an educator and principal, Larry pursued a variety of small business entrepreneurial opportunities. His roles allowed him the opportunity to be a very hands on Dad-never missing an athletic event or school program. Larry’s love for Jesus led to his family being among the founding members of the Westwood Church of Christ in Edmond, where he served as deacon and elder.
If Larry were here, he’d remind you to remember who and whose you are and that nothing good happens after midnight.
Larry is survived by his wife Judy, son Todd and friend E’Shaina Harned, son Tim and wife Risa, and daughter Amanda and husband Luke Watson. Six grandchildren-Sam, Cal, Finley, Nora, Knox, and Klein-affectionately called him “Papa” and will miss him. Four adopted grandchildren enjoyed his love-Pie, Bart, Hallie, and Erin, a future nurse who provided extra love and comfort to Larry in his last days. Larry leaves behind a proud brother Bob, a loving sister Jan and her husband Robert, and loads of special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Mark, with whom he’s enjoying a sweet reunion.
The family is especially grateful to the staff at The Timbers Skilled Nursing and Therapy and the staff at Good Shepherd Hospice for their love and care in Larry’s last days.
A life celebration will be held at the Memorial Road Church of Christ at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 8. Services are under the direction of the Matthews Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Oklahoma Christian University‘s Mike McDonald Scholarship fund (oc.edu/give; choose “other” under “Giving Area” and type “McDonald Scholarship-Larry Forrester” in the space provided; or by mail to Box 11000 OKC, OK 73136 with a note designating the McDonald Scholarship program in Larry’s honor). Mike and Larry were college buddies and lifelong friends.
To Tim, and the Forrester Family, it is so hard to lose a Parent and Husband, but it’s always a blessing that they are in a much better place. Tim, I didn’t know your Dad, but he sounds like a wonderful Man in serving our God, and a Great Husband and Father.
Family of Larry Forrester,
You were a good example to your family and friends. You put a new roof on our house and told me something I did not know- The Arnold Palmer drink; 1/2 non sweet tea and 1/2 sweet lemonade.
God Bless your family and friends.
Rick
To the family,
We are sorry for your loss and praying God will give you the strength and comfort only HE can give.
Love you,
David and Sandy Goin
Our hearts are broken for your family. Larry was such a wonderful Christian man. The Forrester family is very special to us. You all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry was a Godly man and meant a lot to our family. He was a kind and loving servant of Christ. I’m thankful and blessed to have known Larry.
Some of the sweetest time in our lives was with the Westwood family. And Larry was a big part of that. We love you all and remember Larry with deep affection.
Dale and Michele Thompson