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Merry and Wayne Forrester
June 3, 1935 to August 10, 2026
On the morning of Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, with family by his bedside, our beloved Wayne Everett Forrester passed peacefully into his eternal home in heaven. He lived an extraordinary life and reflected Christ to everyone he met. His quick wit, positive attitude, and willingness to help anyone in need will forever be imprinted in our memories of him.
He was born in Owosso, on June 3, 1935, to Gordon and Gertrude (Bruff) Forrester. Wayne married Merry Christmas Keesler on June 25, 1955, and they enjoyed 71 loving years of marriage, always putting each other first. Wayne was drafted for two years into the U.S. Army in 1958. He was in charge of the arms room during his service. He and Merry enjoyed their time in Colorado and met many life-long friends there as well as in Texas. After the Army, he returned to Fisher Body in Michigan for 20 years, working as a foreman. He built their home in Fowlerville. Throughout the years, he would use those skills doing flips, additions, and updates to many houses. They then made Custer, their hometown where he became a landlord, sold real estate, drove school bus, delivered mail for 14 years, and worked for the township where he enjoyed taking care of the cemetery.
He was a shining light for Jesus to many in the community and beyond. He taught adult Sunday school for 20 years, drove a Sunday school bus guiding many to hear and know of Jesus’s love, and served as a deacon.
He loved hunting and fishing. Wayne and Merry became snowbirds in 1997 where Wayne fished to his heart’s content. They continued going to Florida for 24 years. Their Florida friends become ‘Family’. He loved owning his 80-acre farm in Custer. Later they sold 50 and put a new home on the 30 acres where they lived for 26 years. He took pride in his garden, planting more than needed to share with many, especially widows in the neighborhood. He was Mr. Fix-it with a can-do attitude for helping all. He also was a father/grandfather figure to many more than just his children and grandchildren. He asked everyone who came around if they needed anything to eat. He didn’t want anyone to go hungry. He shared his life skills and talents with many. Wayne and Merry also were able to travel to most of the states including Alaska. He loved camping, playing cards, and telling stories. He especially loved gathering with his family and friends. They had the privilege of having amazing neighbors and a huge extended family. We all have cherished memories of our amazing Wayne.
Wayne is survived by his daughters, Elaine Martin, Cheryl (Dale) Heckman, Denise (Kevin) Lankton; and his grandchildren’s fathers, Tim (Vicki) Martin and David (Kim) Stalter; many grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Pam Forrester; a granddaughter; parents, Gordon and Gertrude Forrester; and siblings, Bill Forrester. Helen Thompson, Phyllis Pitris and Donna Rust. Per the family’s request, graveside will be for immediate family only with no funeral service.
