Forest Henry Martell, 88

Forest Henry Martell, 88, of Libby, went to heaven July 25, 2020, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born March 25, 1932, in Iron River, Wis., to Henry and Stella (Volker) Martell.

Forest graduated from Libby High School in 1951. He married his soul mate, Elaine Myhre, on June 22, 1952, while serving in the U.S. Navy. They made their home in Libby where they raised six children.

Forest worked at one point as a farm hand and then he and his brother, Kendall Ward, were partners in Libby Transfer. There, Forest enjoyed many years of doing road graveling, rock crushing and equipment operating. Later, he hauled logs, which he really enjoyed. Prior to retiring, he was an apartment complex manager.

Forest was a hard working individual who always did his best to provide for his family. His family was his true treasure, and they were his pride and joy. He loved to tell entertaining stories about his younger life, his time in the Navy, his working life, and his grandkids and great-grandkids. The stories and reminiscing will be greatly missed. He showed his love for his wife everyday with a twinkle in his eye, teasing grin and tender touch. Together is how he chose, and got, to live his life.

We should all be so lucky.

While in the Navy, Forest completed Class “A” radar school in San Francisco. He served his country faithfully and was awarded several honors including the National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal (2 stars); United Nations Service Medal; China Service Medal; and the Good Conduct Medal. Forest was a member of the American Legion, Faith Bible Church and was assistant manager for the Boy Scouts of America.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Merwin Ward and Henry and Stella Martell; sons, Rick and Ronnie; grandsons, Austen and Rick Jr. (J.R.); infant granddaughter, Jennifer Azure; brothers, Kenny Ward and Albert Martell; sisters, Dona Laas, Carol Delaney and Ruby Ward; and brother-in-law, Lloyd Myhre.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of Libby; children, Forest Alan Martell of Libby, Susan Graham (Jeff) of Libby, Faith Volkenand (Dean) of Libby, Lonnie Martell (Corey) of Missoula, Larry Martell (Shannon) of Drummond; 19 grandchildren, Kathy, Ronnie, Jana, Dustin, Brandon, Melissa, Kimberly, Katrina, Brady, Jacob, Tabitha, David, Holly, Gage, Ayla, Zach, Tracy, Shilo and Shawn; 42 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren (the fifth is expected in October); sisters, Jean DeShazer and Doris Wilson; and brother, Terry Ward.

Services for Forest will be at 11 a.m., Aug. 10 at the Fred Brown Pavilion in Libby. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.