Forrest Dwight Welch, Sr., 71, of Mannford, Oklahoma, passed away on November 3, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. He was born on December 31, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma as the second son of five boys to the late Lloyd and Maxine Stanley.

Forrest spent the majority of his young life in San Diego, California, but spent his summers with his grandparents, the late John and Ora Faye Laughlin, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. At the age of eighteen, he hung up his surfboard and spent the rest of his life in Oklahoma where he pursued his dream of raising cattle.

Forrest was blessed with two sons, Forrest Jr. (Boog) and Joshua, that he raised by himself. Although they experienced many rough years, Forrest always found ways to provide for them. He would go without so that his boys had what they needed. He was active in their athletic interests as he supported Josh in his rodeo events all through high school. He also provided for Boog while he battled cancer.

In 1994, Forrest met Deborah (Debi) Dale through his son Josh as they shared a common interest in her cool Monte Carlo car. Although they dated a short time, Forrest and Debi knew they had a love that would last and they were married on April 15, 1994, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Forrest worked at several jobs in his life but he provided an example of his impeccable work ethic as he dedicated 34 years of his career to Public Service Company of Oklahoma before retiring in 2014.

Forrest cherished becoming a "PaPa" and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He loved swimming in the backyard pool and letting them drive the buggy out in the pasture to check on the cattle. Forrest enjoyed attending the athletic events of his grandsons. No matter what the sport, he was on the sidelines of every practice and every game. While Forrest was a little gruff around the edges, he had a heart of gold. Neighbors, friends, and family knew they could depend on him for a helping hand when needed. Forrest was a simple man who valuedsimple things like spending time with loved ones while enjoying the country life.

In 2020, Forrest was diagnosed with Stage Four pancreatic cancer. Despite the diagnosis, he faced his treatments with a positive energy that extended his life for 2 1/2 years. He fought the good fight until the very end, surrounded by his loving family. Forrest will forever be remembered as the heart of the Welch family by everyone who knew him.

Forrest is survived by his beloved wife, Debi Welch; his sons, Forrest (Boog) Welch, Jr. and Joshua Welch and his wife, Jacey; his granddaughters, Kaitlin Welch and Megan Welch; his grandsons, Howdy Welch,Jay Paul Welch, and Jagger Welch; his great-grandchildren, Karter, Kyzen, and Kaylx Freeman; and his brothers, Stacey Stanley and Eric Stanley.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Forrest's life will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Crossroads Community Church, officiated by Pastor Mike Clark. Contributions in Forrest's memory can be made to Crossroads Community Church where he attended worship services.