Forest H Martell

Forest Henry Martell, 88, of Libby, MT went to heaven on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.  He was born March 25, 1932 in Iron River, WI to Henry and Stella (Volker) Martell.  Forest graduated from Libby High School in 1951. 

He married his soulmate, Elaine Myhre on June 22, 1952, while serving in the United States Navy.  They made their home in Libby where they raised six children.  Forest worked at one point as a farm hand and then he and brother, Kendall Ward, were partners in Libby Transfer where Forest enjoyed many years of doing road graveling; rock crushing; and equipment operating.  Later, he hauled logs which he really enjoyed.  Prior to retiring, he was an apartment complex manager.  Forest was a hard working individual who always did his best to provide for his family.  His family is his true treasure and they are who he was proud of and boasted about.  He loved to tell entertaining stories about his younger life; his time in the Navy; his working life; and his grandkids and great-grandkids.  The stories and reminiscing will be greatly missed.  He showed the love for his wife everyday with that twinkle in his eye, his teasing grin, and tender moments.  Together is how he chose and got to live his life.  We should all be so lucky.

While in the Navy, Forest completed Class “A” Radarman School in San Francisco, CA.  He served his country faithfully and was awarded several honors including the National Defense Service Medal; Korean Service Medal (2 stars); United Nations Service Medal; China Service Medal (ext.); and the Good Conduct Medal.  Forest was a member of the American Legion, Faith Bible Church and was assistant manager for Boy Scouts. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Merwin Ward and Henry and Stella Martell; 2 sons, Rick and Ronnie; grandsons Austen and Rick JR (J.R.); infant granddaughter Jennifer Azure; brothers Kenny Ward and Albert Martell; sisters Dona Laas, Carol Delaney, and Ruby Ward; and brother-in-law Lloyd Myhre.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine of Libby; children Forest Alan Martell of Libby, Susan Graham (Jeff) of Libby, Faith Volkenand (Dean) of Libby, Lonnie Martell (Corey) of Missoula, Larry Martell (Shannon) of Drummond; 19 grandchildren Kathy, Ronnie, Jana, Dustin, Brandon, Melissa, Kimberly, Katrina, Brady, Jacob, Tabitha, David, Holly, Gage, Ayla, Zach, Tracy, Shilo and Shawn; 42 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren (#5 in October); sisters Jean DeShazer and Doris Wilson; and brother Terry Ward.  Services for Forest will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2020 at the Fred Brown Pavilion in Libby.  Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.