Forrest Pape

Forrest Charles Pape was born on July 17, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, the son of Forrest C. Pape and Marie Fuerst Pape.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Helen Murray. Early in his childhood the family moved from Ohio to Kerrville, Texas, and again a few years later to Pecos, Texas where Forrest graduated from Pecos High School in 1963. After graduation, he enrolled in Texas Tech University in Lubbock and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, Forrest accepted a position with Shell Oil Co. and moved to Houston, Texas. Thus began his successful 40 year career in the oil and gas industry working in the US and abroad. Forrest's last position before retiring was as a project manager for Mustang Engineering in Houston. He retired in January of 2009.

After retiring Forrest and his wife and companion of 25 years, Virginia, who he met in a dance class, spent time traveling and enjoying time with family and friends. Forrest loved to take photographs of the many places they visited which included Alaska, Puerto Rico, New York City, Germany, Italy and more. Forrest loved visiting with his neighbors and friends, watching the Texas Tech Red Raiders play football, and he was an avid Astros fan for many years.

In 2011 Forrest was initially diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease after beginning to show signs of that disorder. He continued to enjoy life in spite of his symptoms, but his health declined more rapidly, and in 2019 his diagnosis was changed to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), an even more devastating neurodegenerative disorder. He was a fighter to the end, but passed away peacefully on December 24, 2020.

The family would like to thank Forrest’s wonderful caregiver and friend, JoAnn Jones and her company Tender Touch Senior Services, for his care over the past four years.

Forrest is survived by his wife, Virginia; step-son, Raymond Richards and his wife, Laurie, and their children, Kelley and Connor; step-son Mark Richards, his wife Amanda and sons, Grant and Rhett, and their daughter, Everley; sisters-in-law, Jean Hayes and Lisa Railsback, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Forrest was a sweet and generous man and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, but there is peace in knowing he is forever free from his earthly afflictions and in the arms of his beloved parents.

Donations in Forrest's name to CurePSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001 or the Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 SW Freeway, Suite 300, Houston, TX 77098 would be an honor to his memory.

A celebration of Forrest’s life will be planned for a safe gathering at a later date.