Bryan Lane Deforrest

  Bryan Lane DeForrest, 86, of Weatherford, passed away on Monday August 8, 2011 in a local nursing home. He was born on December 3, 1924, to Byron and Margaret DeForrest, in Richardson Park, Delaware.  

  Mr. DeForrest was an avid hunter and target shooter. He loved music and spent countless hours recording everything from country to classical. As much as he loved to listen to the music he enjoyed dancing as well. Bryan served 4 years in the U.S. Navy as a tail gunner and aircraft mechanic. He worked as a long haul trucker as well as short haul in the bay area and Texas. He was employed 10 years at Lockheed Martin and 15 at FMC where he retired. He was a member of the Lutheran Church where he was supported and loved up to the last days of his life.  

  Bryan’s wit and charm will be fondly remembered by all who came in contact with him. Bryan was a dedicated husband and father who loved his kids dearly; a protector and advocate for those in need, also acquired the nickname “Uncle Deacon” and his grandchildren called his “Papa.” He was very close to his loving companion, Sally Silvy; his daughter, Dawn; his children and grandchildren, especially his grandson, Bryan. 

  He was preceded in death by his wife of 31 years, Phyllis in 1988; children, Sharon White 1992, Barry DeForrest in 1969; great-grandson, Marcus Balmer in 2002; and his best friend, Waymond Davis, in May in May of this year.
 
  Survived by his daughter, Dawn Buffum of Montana; son, Larry Barker of California; grandchildren, Deborah Thompson, Denise Dickson, Bryan White, Joseph White, Barbra Fisher, Steven Buffum, Samantha Buffum, Spencer Buffum and Rochell DeForrest; great-grandchildren, Shelby White, Sharon White, Jeremy, Christopher and Michael Thompson, Ryan and Eric Dickson, Georgia and Taylor Fisher; nieces and nephews, Susan Merryman, Cheryl Moore, Tom Davis and Katie Dozier; and his very close friend, Hank Wagner.
 
  Memorial service will be held at Calvary Methodist Church on Saturday, August 20, at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society of a Hospice Provider of choice