Gerald Wayne Forrest, Sr., 83, of Mexico, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Pin Oaks Living Center.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

Visitation is Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Gerald was born on December 21, 1942, in Mexico, the son of Hughie and Lucille (Vanes) Forrest. On January 31, 1965, in Columbia, he married Nathalyn "Nat" Cheryl Brown. She preceded him in death on November 9, 2014.

He was a graduate of Mexico High School and dedicated his entire career to Ameren UE. Gerald enjoyed working on cars and was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Mexico.

Survivors include three sons, Neal Forrest of Marysville, Washington, Gerald Forrest Jr. of Florissant, and Stacey (Andrea) Forrest of Mexico; 13 grandchildren, Nicolette Houser, Derrick Forrest, Natalie Forrest, Derrick Chatman, Alexis Forrest Pender, Ryan Forrest, Gwen Brooks, Drew Forrest, Latrice Forrest, Cole Jaramillo, Maya Shivers, Raegan Forrest, and Collin Forrest; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, James Forrest, Melvin Forrest, and  Ronnie Forrest, all of Rock Island, IL; and two sisters, Shirley Jones of St. Louis and Becky Forrest of Kansas City.

In addition to his wife, Nat, Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Hughie and Lucille Forrest; and one brother, Roger Forrest.