1935-2025
Richard Charles Forrest
July 28, 1935 – March 11, 2025
Richard Forrest, 89, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. He was born on July 28, 1935, in Flushing, New York, to Charles H. Forrest and Jean Kolczynski Forrest; Raised in Floral Park, Long Island, New York. Richard graduated from Emporia State Teachers College (now Emporia State University) in 1958.
Following his graduation, Richard served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960, stationed in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He completed his reserve duty with the Air National Guard in Great Falls, Montana. During this time, Richard joined the management trainee program at JCPenney. In 1962 he was transferred to JCPenney's Corporate Headquarters in New York City, where he was employed as a Buyer in the Merchandise Division. Later, he transitioned to the manufacturing side of the garment district.
In 1980, Richard and his family relocated from Long Island to Middletown, New Jersey, where he continued his work in the fashion industry in NYC. After retiring, he found fulfillment as a park employee at Sandy Hook Beach Park and Monmouth State Park, near his home in Middletown.
In 2005, Richard and his wife Marilyn moved to Hutchinson, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Connie.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn (McCallum), a native of Kansas; son David (Nina) and grandson Nicholas, all of California; son Cary of Pennsylvania; extended family and lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life and interment will take place at Elmdale Cemetery, at a later date.
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