Forest Calvin Rea

Forest Calvin Rea, lifelong Cleveland area resident, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2007 at the Cimarron Pointe Care Center in Mannford, Oklahoma at the age of ninety-five years, two months and nineteen days.

Forest was born January 10, 1912 in rural Pawnee County, Oklahoma between the Arkansas and Cimarron Rivers in an area known as Dixie. He was the son of Calvin M. and Lucrecia Rea. Forest was raised and attended school in the Dixie area, south of Cleveland.

Upon completion of his education, Forest began a career as a farmer. At the age of twenty, he entered into the service of this country in the United States Army, serving during World War II. After basic training, Forest was assigned to Company L of the 357th Infantry. Upon his honorable discharge in November of 1943, Forest returned to the Cleveland area where he resumed working as a farmer on numerous farms in the area. He was later employed as a construction worker during the building of the Keystone Dam in the late 1950's and early 1960's.

Forest was married to Ruby Russell on June 6, 1983 and the couple made their home in Cleveland during their marriage. Ruby preceded him in death on October 16, 2003. Forest continued to reside in their home until for health reason moved to the Cleveland Manor Nursing Home a few years ago and then recently into the Cimarron Pointe Care Center.

Forest is survived by his brother, William Buzz Rea of Houston, Texas and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his wife, Forest was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nellie Harris and Edna Byrom.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at the Dixie-Bear Creek Cemetery with Pastor Dan Edens officiating. Burial will be at the Dixie-Bear Creek Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.