Willard Lee Forbes, resident of Owasso, passed away Sunday evening, December 15, 2013, at his home. He was 73 years of age. Willard was born November 26, 1940, at Sperry, OK to Henry Miles and Velma (Miller) Forbes. He was raised and received his education in Skiatook, graduating high school there. Willard later received his bachelor’s degree fromNortheastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. He made his home in Skiatook until moving to California, later returning to Skiatook before settling in Ft. Worth, Texas. On November 18, 2000, Willard and Doris Jean Garrett were united in marriage in Ft. Worth. They moved to Osage County, north of Skiatook, OK in 2002, and have made Owasso home the past three years. He retired fromAmerican Airlines in 2005. In his spare time, Willard enjoyed fishing, reading and in his earlier years was an avid bicyclist.
Those that survive include his wife Jeannie of the home; children – Jennifer Forbes of Claremore, OK, Jill Burkett and husband Pete of Claremore, Jason Sussman and wife Mellissa of Issaquah, Washington, Tim Kellar and wife Marianne of Ft Worth, TX and Charla Sussman, also of Ft. Worth. Also surviving are six grandchildren – Jacob Forbes, Joshua Burkett, Luke Burkett, Eli Sussman, Madyson Kellar and Lillian Sussman. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Stanford.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., in the sanctuary of the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 4102 East 61st Street, Tulsa, OK with Rev. Dan Bair officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
