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All who knew Richard Forrester would agree that no one met him and left unchanged. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation wherever he went. A more devoted family man would be hard to find as there was nothing Dick treasured more than witnessing his family tree blossom to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren alongside the love of his life. Dick had an impeccable work ethic and accomplished so many things of which to be proud, but he was continually focused on using his time and talents to serve within the community he loved. Guided by an unwavering faith, Dick exemplified what it means to be a servant of the Lord he loved. Life will never be the same without him here, but his family and friends find comfort in knowing that he is enjoying perfect peace in his eternal home.

The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs became hard to come by and the unemployment rate soared, and things only went from bad to worse when a crippling drought covered the nation's heartland for nearly two years. Amidst these challenging days was the year 1932 that was filled with great anticipation for Paul R. and Virginia (Wigent) Forrester as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as winter held Whitley County, Indiana, firmly in its grip as the calendar turned to welcome in the new year. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Richard P. drew his first breath on January 15th. He was one of two boys in his family, and he loved things like riding his bicycle and visiting with the neighbors. Dick attended local schools, and while in high school he played football for Columbia City.

Not to be forgotten during his years in high school was Dick's introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Betty L. Schrader, and they met during biology class. Smitten, it didn't take Dick long to ask her out. They went to watch a basketball game in North Manchester after he picked her up in his dad's pickup truck. Dick and Betty went to cheer on Columbia City High School as they played against North Manchester.

Following graduation in 1950, Dick's father, who was the Columbia City Chief of Police, knew someone in the FBI who set up Dick with some work in Washington, D.C. It was during this time that he also asked Betty to marry him. She was more than happy to oblige, and on Christmas Eve in 1950, the sweethearts were married at Oak Grove Church of God.

It was just a few months later, in April of 1951, that Dick joined the military during the Korean Conflict. Since he wanted to be sure that he ended up in the Air Force, he willingly signed on to avoid being drafted. He and Betty then moved down to Florida, and it was there that she had an infant son, David Richard Forrester, who was stillborn in 1954. Soon, they welcomed three more boys, Matthew, Mark and John "Scott" into their hearts and home.

After Dick was honorably discharged from Elgin Air Force in Florida in 1955, they came back to Indiana. Dick started doing land title searches for Dreibeliss Abstract Company in Ft. Wayne. About 10 years later, from 1966 through 1968, Dick moved his family to Auburn, Indiana, where he was co-owner of Auburn Abstract. From there, Dick and his family moved down to Florida where he worked for an abstract company. In 1970, the family once again moved back home to Columbia City. This time, Dick managed Simmons and Brady Excavating in Columbia City. From there in 1972, he started working for the United States Post Office, retiring as a maintenance supervisor in 1992 after 20 years of dedicated service.

Dick was a hard working and then some. During the 1980s, he volunteered as an EMT in Whitley County, and he also went down to the Indy 500 to be an EMT during the "Month of May." He just loved being there in the excitement of it all, and at times he was even able to take family members to the track. After retiring, Dick became a part-time deliveryman for Carriage House Flowers in Columbia City. He was an amazing role model for his boys, and he also helped them out on their Sunday morning paper route when they were kids.

First and foremost, Dick's family was the highlight of his life. He loved taking them camping and on other educational trips including to an Air Force base in Florida on one occasion. This was an experience to remember as soon after being waved through the gate they were surrounded by military police with machine guns and all. After being detained, everything eventually got sorted out. Washington, D.C. was a favorite location both with his children and later his grandchildren, too. Throughout their lives Dick was always there for his children as well as for his grandchildren whom he loved spoiling. He and Betty frequently went to visit their grandchildren when their children went away on vacation. For several years they also raised Dachshunds, and Dick loved his dogs.

Second only to his family was the love Dick had for his community. He was a member of the Oak Grove Church of God, chairman of the Church & Pastor Relations with the Indiana Conference Church of God, and a member of the Whitley County Correction Board, American Legion Post 98, and Parkview Whitley Home Healthcare. Dick was also a hospice volunteer, former chairman of the Columbia City Redevelopment Commission, Domestic Violence Task Force, past president of Acres & Friends of the Peabody Library, served on the Columbia City Tree Board, and a charter member of the Whitley County Historical Society. As if these things didn't keep him busy enough, Dick enjoyed going to Israel and even had the opportunity to help with an Israel archaeological dig. He also took bicycle trips out West, down to Bloomington, and even up to Mackinaw, Michigan. Everyone in the community knew how much he enjoyed riding his bicycle. Dick seemed to know everyone, and as his family and friends would agree, he was blessed with the gift of gab.

Vivacious, vibrant, and fun-loving, Richard Forrester was a blessing to everyone he met. He was hardworking, determined, and always on the go with a zest for life that was contagious. Dick was blessed to share 64 years with the love of his life, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the branches of loved ones he adored. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2015 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Oak Grove Church of God with Pastor Steve Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his honor to Oak Grove Church of God or Bear Lake Camp. To read Dick's life story or to send family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com.



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