Nelson Wayne Forbes

With deep sadness and great love, we announce the passing of our dad, Nelson Wayne Forbes, age 81, of Dunlap. He passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 4:35 p.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Nelson was born on August 26, 1943, in Peoria, to Nelson C. and Dorotha (Kinsey) Forbes. He was first married to Linda Gwaltney, with whom he had four children. Later, on August 5, 1978, he married Gail Peterson in Chillicothe. He was preceded in death by his wife Gail, his parents, and two infant siblings, a brother and a sister.

He is survived by his four children: Nelson Scott (Cindy) Forbes of Creve Coeur, Jeffery (Cary) Forbes of East Peoria, Melinda Forbes of Allen, Texas, and Michelle (Jason) Trail of New Braunfels, Texas. Nelson also leaves behind 14 grandchildren: Kalie, Taylor, Austin, Kyle, Nathan, Alex, Cara, Carson, Scott, Amber, Brittney, Tristan, Victoria, and Braden; seven great-grandchildren: Laniyah, Brielle, Brinlee, Caleb, Theodore, Olivia, and Parker; and five siblings: Sharon Wallace, Kenny (Mary) Forbes, Carol Payne, Joe (Karen) Forbes, and Kay (Marty) Emerick.

Nelson was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, having served from 1962 to 1966 aboard the USS Forrestal CVA 59 aircraft carrier. After his military service, he worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 42 years, beginning in assembly and later retiring in 2007 from the Technical Center in Mossville. He was also an active member of the Dunlap American Legion Post 1078.

Throughout his life, Nelson faced challenges with resilience, ambition, and determination. Always active, he was either busy with something, headed somewhere, working hard, or enjoying adventures with his beloved wife, Gail, their motorcycle group, his brothers, or his sons. His devotion to Gail was unwavering, and he cherished his time with her. Nelson had a deep love for motorcycles, cars, fishing, and his cherished dachshund, Brandi.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.

Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria with Military Honors.

You may view Nelson's obituary online at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com