Forest was raised in rural Deerfield where he helped his dad on the family farm. In addition to farm life, he also enjoyed the restaurant business and spent 15 years working in a lodge in New Hampshire. As a result of growing up in the country, Forest developed a love of coon hunting. He attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Nevada.
Survivors include a sister, Anita Lightwine, Nevada; a brother, Jack Merril (Sharon), Pettibon, Deerfield; and a daughter, Alex Pettibon, New Hampshire. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Keith Ray Pettibon, Burl Rex Pettibon, and Grover Gay Pettibon.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield, MO. Friends may call now and until noon on Wednesday at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.
