Thomas Ralph Forrest

Thomas “Tom” Ralph Forrest, 81, passed away peacefully in his home in rural Holden, MO surrounded by his family. Tom was born March 17, 1942, in Independence, MO to Fred and Beulah (Cramer) Forrest. In July of 1959 Tom joined the United States Navy and was stationed to the U.S.S. Yorktown as a Seaman. He was Honorably discharged in June of 1960 and began his lifelong career as an over the road truck driver. He worked for several freight companies including Lawrence, Holmes, and Yellow Freight where he retired after 32 years. Tom was a proud member of the Teamsters Union. He was very proud of his 2-million-mile mark without an accident. Upon retiring he bought a farm in Collins, MO and his love for horses started. He decided to move closer to his only daughter, Tonya Adams, and her husband Cary, and their children in Holden, MO. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, marksmanship, tending to his horses, and riding his motorcycle. Christmas mornings were a special time with his family and especially his grandchildren. Tom often said his greatest accomplishments were truck driving, Tonya, and his grandchildren, in that order. Tom could be hardheaded and stubborn, but he had a fierce love for his family and friends. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved him. Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Fred “Bud” Forrest, and William “Bill” Forrest; sisters, Helen Swan, and Virginia Gilmore; best friends, Danny Banderas, and John Gross. Surviving Tom’s passing are his daughter, Tonya (Cary) Adams of Holden; granddaughter, Lauren (Michael) Griffin of Holden; grandsons, Lane (Kara) Adams of Kansas City, and Landon "Bug" (Michaela) Adams of Holden; great-grandchildren, Harrison and Palmer Griffin; best friend, Leroy (Kathy) Fisher; many nieces and nephews; and his very special canine companion, Bella. The family will honor Tom’s life with a visitation on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 10 AM with a Funeral Service to follow at 11 AM at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home in Holden, Missouri. Pallbearers include Cary Adams, Lane Adams, Landon "Bug" Adams, Michael Griffin, Carl Geisler and Jake Nicholson. Honorary pallbearers include Harrison Griffin, Leroy Fisher, Jim Gilmore, Tim Forrest, Mike Gilmore, and Johnny Gilmore. Interment will be at Higginsville Veteran’s Cemetery, 20109 Business HWY 13, Higginsville, MO at 2PM with full Military Honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Disabled American Veteran’s Association in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.castfuneralhome.com

Thomas Ralph Forrest

March 17, 1942 - November 22, 2023