Forrest L. Merrel, 88, of Owasso, Oklahoma, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at his home.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Brumley-Mills Funeral Home Chapel in McAlester.  Burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Haywood, Oklahoma.

Forrest was born on August 16, 1937 in Topeka, Kansas to Donald L. and Bessie B. (Kline) Merrel. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He married Dorothy Jean "D.J." Hale on August 17, 1968 in Reno, Nevada, and they were married for 44 years. He worked as a Field Technician for Pacific Gas & Electric Company until retirement. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and bowling. His kids and grandkids were the joy of his heart. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a daughter, Sheri Merrel of Owasso, OK; son, Rocky Merrel of Tupelo, MS; grandchildren, Samantha Snow, Dana Lee Daugherty, Brittney Wilcome, Thomas Wilcome, Christopher Wilcome, and David Riggs; numerous great-grandchildren.

Forrest was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Merrel; three children, Sharon Morgan, Marge Sawyer, and Stacey Merrel; numerous siblings.