Roy Usmc

Roy Edward DeForest, Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Retired, outstanding leader of Marines, respected mentor, and deeply loved friend, husband and father died quietly, surrounded by his family, on 21 February, 2018. For Roy, ever actively engaged in living life to its fullest, and ready for a day spent exploring unknown territory and meandering roads, the "long goodbye" of Alzheimer's disease proved to be a difficult journey, but it was tempered by his fine sense of humor, joyful laughter and sweet loving nature. Never one to tolerate too much silence, he was known to play "Reveille," a military bugle call, at top volume to rouse my brother and me from slumber on lazy weekend mornings. He taught us to read maps, and serve as his navigator on family road trips and cross-country moves. He encouraged us to sing along to country ballads and folk songs and to memorize poetry. He inspired us to read for the pure pleasure of reading, and he reminded us to also put down the books and look out the window - to admire the countryside, and enjoy the journey because we might "never come this way again." Perhaps, as I like to imagine, he grew bored with the unnatural stillness imposed on his body and mind by Alzheimer's and, in the end, heeded an inner call to Reveille. Surely, he is on a new adventure, this time without us, but I am certain that he is relishing every moment. I hope he has the windows open, the radio on, and a beautiful stretch of road ahead of him.

Raised in Fulton and Rockport, Texas, the son of the late John Robert and Myrtle (Jones) DeForest, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Angalee (Garritson), his son Richard (Helen Shingler) and grandsons (Roy and Jack DeForest), his daughter Adrienne (Chris Marano) and granddaughters (Angalee and Helen Marano), his brother, Thomas DeForest, his nephew, Samuel DeForest, and his oldest friend, Michael Casterline. Roy graduated from Rockport Fulton High School in 1957 and enrolled in the Marine Platoon Leaders Class while in college. In 1961, upon graduation from the University of Texas at Austin, Roy was proudly commissioned a United States Marine Corps Officer. During his long career in the Marine Corps, he served three tours with the Third Marine Division in Vietnam - first as an aerial observer and then twice as an infantry officer. Highlights of his career include serving as Provost Marshall at Subic Bay in the Philippines, commanding the 1st Battalion 9th Marines, serving as the Marine Corps Liaison Officer to the Secretary of Defense, and commanding the 4th Marine Corps Recruiting District. Exceptionally well decorated, his many personal awards include the nation's third highest award -- the Silver Star. Other personal awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Combat "V" and one star, Meritorious Service Medal with two stars, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V," the Air Medal with two gold stars (3 awards), and the Combat Action Ribbon. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1987, he worked for Goodwill Industries on both the West and East Coasts. As in all things, he was known for his integrity and served always with honor, courage, and commitment. He set the bar high, expected excellence, and inspired many to "bite the bullet," strive for distinction and achieve more than they thought possible.

A celebration of life service will be held in the spring. An announcement will be made and all family and friends are invited.

Online Condolences may be left at www.charliemarshallfuneralhomes.com