Forrest Archie Shockley

Forrest Archie Shockley, 86, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Columbia.

Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 28, at Arnold Funeral Home with Kevin Wilkerson officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation is Friday from 12 p.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Forrest was born on October 16, 1939, in Saint Aubert, Missouri, the son of Archie and Edna (Lemmons) Shockley. On July 29, 1961, in Mexico, he married Carolyn Sue Applebee. She preceded him in death on November 18, 2022.

Forrest began his working career as a gas station attendant, where he met Carolyn. He later worked for 18 years at A.B. Chance in Centralia before going to work for National Refractories.

He was a member of Sunrise Christian Church, where he served as both a Deacon and Elder. Forrest was a man of many talents who always enjoyed staying busy. He loved tinkering as a mechanic and working on old cars, as well as farming and fishing. He also enjoyed baking and cooking for others and was especially known for his “pocket bacon.” Forrest had a creative side, too, enjoying crafting and sewing and making many quilts and aprons. He also taught himself to play the guitar.

Survivors include his daughter, Cindy (Dave) Niswonger of Mexico; three grandchildren, Stacey Williams of Mexico, Randy Beasley of Mexico, and Cassie Beasley (Josh Calhoun) of Columbia; three great-grandchildren, Camden Williams, James Varner, and Cailyn Varner; three sisters, Lucille Sieg of Linn, Darline Sieg of Westphalia, and Diane Mitchem of Chamois; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn, Forrest was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Edna Shockley; one son, John Forrest Shockley; five brothers, Wilbur, Milford “Cotton,” Larry, Delmar, and Jerry Shockley; and four sisters, Lola David, Lorene “Sweetie” Wild, Melba Baclesse, and Sharon Laughlin.

Memorial donations may be made to Sunrise Christian Church. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.