Kenneth Wayne Forester
June 30, 1942 ~ March 20, 2018
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Kenneth Wayne Forester, 75, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at his home.
He was native of Catawba County, NC, and lived in Asheville for the majority of his life. He was predeceased by his loving mother, Ada G. Forester in 2016, father, James M. Forester, and brother Richard F. Forester.
He is survived by his wife, Katie; daughters, Elizabeth Sheridan (Dan), Jill Love (Nicholas); son, Wayne Forester; brother, Clifton Forester (Debbie); sister-in-law, Geraldine Forester; grandchildren and many caring nieces, nephews and supportive friends.
Upon graduating from Clyde A. Erwin High School, he continued his education at Mars Hill College then onto NC State for a Bachelors of Science Degree in Forestry where he retired from the US Forest Service as a surveyor. He was an avid bird watcher and joined many groups around the local area to go on walks and sightings.
He was an United States Vietnam Army Veteran and proudly served his country as an Artillary Surveyor for the 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded many medals; the National Defense Service, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, Army Commendation, Good Conduct and pending Bronze Star. He joined the US Army Reserves where he was a Drill Sergeant and attained the rank of First Sergeant.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at the Groce Funeral Home Chapel on 856 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC. Internment with military honors will follow at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, in Black Mountain, promptly at 14:00. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to Stecoah Baptist Church, 89 Hyde Town Road, Robbinsville, NC, 28771.
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Beth, Jill, and Wayne,
I was sorry to learn of your father’s death. He and your mom were good friends of mine years ago. Know that you and your families will be remembered in prayer.
Affectionately, Charlene Young (formerly Morgan-Hill)
Katie, So sorry to hear of Kenneth’s passing. I remember seeing and talking with him last summer at Uncle Fred’s home. I’m so glad I got to visit with him then. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Isenhower Pence
Beth, Jill, and Wayne,
I am sorry to hear of your father’s passing. May God comfort you during this time. Please reach out to me if you need anything. I always have found memories of you guys!
Love,
Amber
Although we knew him for a short time, he was a kind and very caring. We appreciate the time we spend with him and he was a fun and enjoyable person. We miss him very much. Rest in Peace Kenneth.
Katie. So sorry for the loss of your husband. U are in our hearts and prayers
I have many great memories of serving with Ken in the Army Reserves, Company C and our summers at Fort Jackson as Drill Sergeants. Although I haven’t seen or spoken with Ken in quite a few years, my memories are still with me and I will miss him all the same.
I knew Ken many years ago prior to my retiring from the USFS in Robbinsville. Ken was a fine person, and I know he will be missed. Prayers for you.
Rest in peace, Ken
We just met in Melbourne, Australia couple years ago when you and Katie came and celebrate ‘Fa’? graduation. We still remembered those short but happy days. We will miss you forever.
Manorotkul family in Thailand.
I have many great memories of Ken working together with him in surveying with the US Forest Service and visiting in recent years. Ken was a great fun guy with high integrity. Most of all he was a great friend.
Ken is just away
‘I cannot say, and I will not say That he is gone. He is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand He has wandered into an unknown land
And left us dreaming how very fair It needs to be since he lingers there.
And you-O you, who the wildest yearn For the old time step and the glad return.
Think of him faring on, as dear In the love of there, as the love of here
Think of him still the same, I say; He is not gone – he is just away.’
My thoughts and prayers are with Ken’s family. I worked with him for many years at the National Forests in NC. He will be missed.