Forrest Wayne Spidel, age 92, went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2018 with family by his side in Marion, IN. Many referred to Forrest by “Spider”, “Shorty”, or “Grandpa Shorty” by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was born on August 20, 1925 to Clyde and Lovellah (Sheridan) Spidel, in St. Francisville, IL.
Spider enlisted into the United States Navy on July 29, 1943 where he served our country in World War II, and was honorably discharged on April 23, 1946. He married Mary Ellen Dennison on April 24, 1948 in St. Francisville, IL. Together they had three children; Mary Francis Spidel, Dennis Spidel and Patrica Spidel-Barney. He was a member of the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 in Fort Wayne, IN for 70 years and retired from Linigers in Marion, Indiana in 1987. He enjoyed 30 years of retirement.
Spider built a legacy through his hard work, respect, love, kindness, and dedication to his family. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. He was an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed watching sports, attending Marion Giant Basketball games, taking walks, fishing, mushroom hunting, and growing tomatoes.
He is survived by his daughter, Patty Barney and son-in law Mike Barney, grandchildren: Nate Spidel, Matt Spidel, Beth Hamilton (Richard), and Kristy Barney; great grandchildren: Jaydin Bell, Emma Spidel, Mary Hamilton, and Leah Spidel, Brother Bobby Clyde Spidel, and Special Friends; John Cooper and Betty Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Mary Ellen, daughter Mary Francis, son Dennis Wayne, his parents, Clyde & Lovellah Spidel, his sister Norma Fordyce, grandson-in-law; Jami Bell, and dear friend/neighbor Mike McMillian.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday March 16, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Raven Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Rd. in Marion, Indiana with Pastor Andrew Morrell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Garden of Memory Cemetery, Huntington County, Indiana.
Friends and family may call from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2018 and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family would request donations be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Grant County, 3402 S. Meridian Street, Marion, IN 46953.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com
“His heritage to his children wasn’t words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his example as a man and father.” -Will Rodgers Jr.
The Spidel/Barney family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Miller’s Merry Manor in Marion for their attentiveness and loving care during his short stay. We are forever grateful for your kindness.