John Lewis Forrest, Sr.

John Lewis “Johnny” Forrest, Sr., 77, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 in Fort Worth.

Celebration of Life: 2 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Central Christian Church, 1602 S. Main St., Weatherford.

Johnny was born November 14, 1946 in Gorman, son of Robert L. and Margaret (Miles) Forrest. He grew up in Woodson and graduated from Woodson High School. He was an athlete in high school, and was very successful in baseball and football. He was also Valedictorian of his High School Class and was also voted most handsome.

Johnny met the love of his life, Cathy Sanders, and they were married on January 23, 1966. They would go on to spend 58 happy years together. 

Johnny spent 43 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. He had a strong work ethic and moral code which drove him to achieve great success in law enforcement. He was known as “Papa John” and the “Silver Fox” and had multiple arrests seizing over $2 million in cash, as well as thousands of pounds of drugs. He passed his vast knowledge on to other members of law enforcement by teaching all over the United States and Canada. He was a member of the first class inducted into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame. He also had the distinct honor of serving as one of two Texas law enforcement officers on the Presidential detail for the second inauguration of President George W. Bush.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Cindy Forrest.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Cathy Forrest; son, John Forrest and wife, Erika; granddaughter, Victoria Palmer; grandson, Jax Forrest; brother, Robert Forrest; and sisters, Janet Winton, and Lisa Forrest; numerous nieces and nephews; a host of extended family members; and a lifetime of friends.