Forrest Raymond Wilson

Forrest Raymond Wilson, age 69, of Connellsville passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at his home. He was born on June 17, 1954, in Connellsville, PA to the late Forrest W. (Bud) Wilson and Minnie (DePompi). Forrest is preceded in death by his sister Lois Marchute and Mary Jane Darnell.

Forrest is survived by his children: Kilon Wilson (Monica) of North Carolina, Megan Wilson Carley of Pittsburgh, Paris Wilson of Australia and Palen Wilson of Indonesia; 5 grandchildren, Dylan Carley of Pittsburgh, Bella Carley of Pittsburgh, Killian Carley of Pittsburgh, Grayson Wilson of North Carolina and Nolan Wilson of North Carolina; cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces, nephews. An extra thank you to close friend and caregiver for the past 3-1/2 years….someone Forrest considered to be one of his sons, Cedric Jackson of Uniontown.

After graduating Connellsville HS, Forrest served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1973. In 1976 Forrest obtained his BA degree from Pennsylvania State University and then continued to further his education at Wright University where he studied geology and geophysics. He received his MBA at Golden State University. This education led to a successful career working as a geophysicist for various companies (Chevron, Halliburton Energy Services, Gulf, Conoco Phillips, Pearl Energy, Salamander Energy). His expertise in his field was often sought after and this gave him the opportunity to travel (which he loved) to Australia, Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, Singapore and Nigeria. After living abroad for 22 years, Forrest returned to Connellsville, PA where he was able to spend time with his mother before her passing.

Forrest was known by many people, by many different names….. Forrest, Will, Willie, Opah, Wilson. He enjoyed telling comical stories as to how each name came to be. Along with his comedic side he also enjoyed DC comics, musicals, watching old movies, listening to music, collecting watches and a good phrase on a t-shirt.

Friends and family will honor him at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies (1158 Morgan Rd. Bridgeville, PA 15017) on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 2:15 pm for service to take place promptly at 2:30 pm. Full military rites and honors will be accorded by the George C. Marshall AMVETS Post 103 of Hopwood. Please join us immediately following the service for a remembrance luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks for donations to be made to AMVETS Post 103. 123 Buttermilk Lane, Hopwood, Pa 15445.

A special thanks to Goldsboro-Fabry Funeral Home, Inc., Fairchance, Pa for working closely with the VA to organize a beautiful service to honor Forrest.