Forest Edward Able

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Forest “Frosty” Edward Able on Sunday, January 4th, 2026. He died peacefully at his home in Fairdale, Kentucky, at the age of 93. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and a genuine basketball icon, he leaves behind a legacy of competitive spirit, integrity, and deep family love.

Born on July 27th, 1932, in Louisville, Kentucky, Forest was the son of the late Forest and Gladys Able. From an early age, his natural talent for basketball was evident, a gift he nurtured through demanding work and a relentless pursuit of excellence, often known by his cherished nickname, "Frosty".

Forest’s remarkable basketball accolades included:

He graduated from Fairdale High School in 1951. He was regarded as one of the best basketball players to ever put on a Bulldog uniform. As a freshman, he started the 1947–48 season on the bench but quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup. In March 1950, Forest led Fairdale High School to the KHSAA State Tournament by beating Simpsonville in the Eighth Region final, 55–38. In the first round at the Louisville Armory, the Bulldogs defeated Hindman 53–49, as Able led all scorers with 33 points. Forest was honored for his play by making the All-Tournament Team in 1950. As a senior in 1951, Forest’s 23 points were not enough to beat Shelbyville in the Eighth Region final. Forest tallied a career 1,472 points for a 16.91 average per game. He became Fairdale’s first team All-State player in 1951 and was also a member of the Kentucky All-Stars.

After high school, he signed a scholarship to attend the University of Louisville. Forest played 22 games his freshman year before transferring to play at Western Kentucky State Teachers College (WKU). Forest would start for the Hilltoppers for the next three seasons. He played in 108 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. The 1953–54 Hilltopper team finished the season with a 29–3 record, finished fourth place in the NIT, and ranked eighth in the final AP Poll. Earlier in the season, the Toppers ranked as high as No. 3 in the AP Poll.

In 1955–56, he averaged 18.1 points per game for the Hilltoppers and finished his career with 1,221 points. Forest was named to the All-OVC team and was an Honorable Mention on multiple All-American teams. Forest was chosen to be in the WKU Hall of Fame in 2011, one of his greatest days as he often mentioned.

In the 1956 NBA Draft, Forest was picked the third round as the 20th pick by the Syracuse Nationals. There were only nine teams in the NBA at the time. He played only one game before being traded to the Philadelphia Warriors and then released.

After his playing days, he transitioned to coaching. Forest returned to the new Fairdale High School that opened in 1958 and was named Head Coach of the Fairdale Bulldogs. In 1963, Coach Ed Diddle requested for him to be a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky University. He would return to Fairdale again as head coach from 1968 to 1975. He was named Sixth Region Coach of the Year in 1971. During this tenure, he impacted and mentored countless young men, helping them grow into becoming great men and great players.

In 1988, Forest retired after 30 years as a teacher and coach at his alma mater but remained active in the sports programs and community within Fairdale. He was a mentor, coach, and friend to so many students, and he simply was an icon in Fairdale. He loved the King of the Bluegrass Tournament. We can count on one hand the number of games he missed in 44 years. He did not miss a game in the recent 2025 KOB Tournament. He made his seat at the end of the VIP table and never missed a new food item in the Greatest Hospitality Room in Kentucky.

After retirement, he drove for Miller Transportation for 25 years. He was requested to do sporting events for various High School teams. He loved transporting Fairdale Basketball Teams on Holiday Christmas Trips and working for Male High School and Coach Bobby Redmon. He transported multiple University of Louisville Basketball Teams when requested by the late Coach Denny Crum. Coach Denny Crum often referred to him as “The Legend.”

Forest legacy will not be measured in championships and awards, but in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, humor, and guidance. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle giant whose impact will be felt for generations.

He was a proud member of Mt. Holly Church and a life member of both Fairdale Masonic Lodge #942 F&AM, and Fairdale Chapter #153 Order of the Eastern Star.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Gladys Able, his sister Ruby Camp, and loving wife of 63 years, Marlene. He leaves to cherish his memory his three sons: Forest “Ross” (Marian), Todd Edward (Cathy), and Kent Alan (Sandy); five grandsons: Jared Able (Jessie), Jonathan Able (Lindsey), Tyler Able (Mollie), Kameron Able (Lauren), Ryan Able (Alex); one granddaughter, Melissa Burchett (DJ); seven great-grandchildren: Landry, Beau, Cora, Lena, Hudson, Nora and Hayden; sister-in laws Sharon Paschal, Judy Rennirt, and Lavera Branan along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other dear family and friends.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude to: Ross, Todd, and Kent Able; Marla Paschal; Stacy Grigsby; Cathy and Sandy Able; and Dotti and Ernest Smith, Hunter, Tre and Jai for their extraordinary, compassionate, and selfless care, which allowed Forest to remain at home with dignity and love and feel cherished and at peace until the very end.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Friday, January 9th at Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home (Preston Highway at Brooks Road) from 1:00pm until 8:00pm and again on Saturday, January 10th from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 11:00am in the Chapel of Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home. Expression of sympathy may be made to Mt. Holly Methodist Church, 804 Mt. Holly Road, Fairdale, Ky. 40118.

Obituary at www.subfuneralhome.com