Audrey Odell Forehand, 90, of Canadian, Oklahoma passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa. He graduated from Waldron High School in 1952. He was the last surviving classmate. There he played football, baseball, and was in the school choir. Audrey was a pitcher for the Bates Community Baseball Team as well. In 1956, he married. Then in 1957, he moved his family to Modesto, California and worked for Tulare Turkey Processing Plant until 1964. Audrey moved back to Oklahoma where he began working for the McAlester Naval Depot. He worked for the McAlester Naval Depot until became part of the Armys Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition in 1977, renamed to McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. He retired from the United States Department of Defense on June 3, 1993.
After Audrey retired, he enjoyed fishing and working around his home. He was a skilled carpenter, electrician, plumber, and auto mechanic. He was often called upon by his daughters for his talents. He was very attentive and caring; often taking care of a family member and/or relative when ill. Audrey loved to tell stories about the time he worked as a young man for the Forestry Department in Idaho and growing up as a boy in Bates, Arkansas. He had cherished memories of helping his father and brother Emmett logging in the woods. Audrey was simply a peaceful man seeking fairness and harmony.
Audrey was born on October 12, 1934 to Mittie L. (Adams) and Newton E. Forehand of Bates Arkansas.
He is survived by:
His daughters:
Tina Burgess and Debra Scarborough both of Tulsa, Oklahoma
One son:
Stewart Forehand and wife Kathi of McAlester, Oklahoma
Five grandchildren:
Steven Staples, Billy Ben Staples, Jimmy Forehand, Audra Perteet, and Morgan Reese
12 great-grandchildren
1 great-great-grandchild
Numerous other loved ones and a host of friends
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mittie and Newton Forehand.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Larry Free and Mr. Ben Odom officiating. Interment will follow in Heavener Memorial Park under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: Stewart Forehand, Jimmy Forehand, Jake Forehand, Udell Forehand, Mike Forehand, and Wess Reese.
Viewing will be from Noon until 5 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. until service time, Saturday at the funeral home.