LtCOL REDMOND "RED" FORRESTER

BATTALION COMMANDER, 2/9th FA

Col. Redmond V. Forrester, U.S. Army retired, passed away July 14, 2008, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center.

Col. Forrester was born in West Point, Ga., on Nov. 8, 1927, to Redmond V. Forrester Sr. and Dorothy Ferguson Forrester. He graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y., in 1951 and received a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1965. His military service included numerous stateside assignments as well as overseas service in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. His military decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (seven awards), and the Army Commendation Medal, as well as numerous service ribbons.

Upon retirement from military service in 1981, Col. Forrester accepted a position with the Mississippi State Tax Commission in Jackson, Miss., where he worked until moving to Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in 1984. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Walton Beach, where he was an ordained elder and adult Sunday school teacher for a number of years.

Col. Forrester is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patsy L. Forrester; son, David Forrester and Sherry; son, Pat Forrester and Diana; daughter, Jill Gregory and Sam; and four grandchildren, Patrick Forrester, Andrew Forrester, Forrest Gregory and Emma Gregory.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Walton Beach, 134 S.W. Beal Pkwy., on Wednesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery.

For those that wish to express their condolences to the family and share memories of Col. Forrester you may visit our website at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 113 Racetrack Road N.E., Fort Walton