Roll Call Tribute

Gilbert Horton Forehand of Duncan, Oklahoma, was born April 09, 1942 in Houston, Texas, to Thomas Lee Forehand and Alice Ferne (Neale) Forehand. He completed his earthly journey on April 07, 2020 at the Lawton/Ft. Sill Veterans Center in Lawton, Oklahoma. He was 2 days short of his 78th birthday.
Viewing will be held through Monday, April 13, 2020 from 9:00a.m.-6:00p.m. at Whitt Funeral Home, 4748 N. Hwy. 81, Duncan. The family will have a private graveside service. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Gil graduated from Haynesville High School as Valedictorian and National Merit Scholar, Haynesville, Louisiana. While in Haynesville, Gil was very proud to be a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He earned his Eagle Scout Badge. Gil was also inducted into the Order of the Arrow. Later in Austin, Gil was an active participant when his son joined Scouts, going to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for the second time in his life. When he moved to Duncan, he once again was active in Scouts at the First United Methodist Church.
Gil received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M, Class of ’64. (His father was Class of ’39 from Texas A&M.) While at Texas A&M, Gil was in the Corp of Cadets and finished as Company Commander of C-2 1963-1964. He was also a member of the Ross Volunteer Company, commonly known as the Ross Volunteers. This honor guard and drill team is by invitation only, and is the military escort for the Governor of Texas.
Gil served in the U.S. Army 54th Signal Battalion. He served a year in Vietnam where he was promoted to 1LT and received the Bronze Star and the Military Merit Medal.
On January 31, 1970, Gil married the love of his life, Ellen Hemphill, in Alexandria, Louisiana. They celebrated 50 years marriage in January 2020. They had 3 children – Sean, Laura, and Stephanie.
Gil was employed as an Electrical Research Engineer at Halliburton Research Center where he earned several patents. After Halliburton, not wanting to move to a big city, Gil worked as a salesman for Culligan Water Conditioning.
He was very active in his church and the community. Gil was twice President of the Chisholm Trail Kiwanis Club and unloaded and sold many Christmas trees. He was on the Board of Directors of Youth Services of Stephens County for approximately 15 years. Gil served as Treasurer for the Stephens County Rifle and Pistol Club. He was a 40-year member of the First United Methodist Church in Duncan. He served in several capacities in the church and was the Usher Coordinator for 30 years. Gil was an avid reader. During his retirement years Gil could often be found in Hastings Book Store sitting and reading. He was so proud of and dearly loved his family.
Gil is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; his children: Sean Forehand and wife Susan of Grand Junction, Colorado, Laura MacDonald of Frisco, Colorado, and Stephanie Gates and husband Allen of Duncan, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Sydney Spruiell, Kaden Gates, and Christian Gates all of Duncan, Oklahoma; Sister Patricia Bonnette and husband Gary of Del Valle, Texas; nieces: Leah Taylor and husband Mike of Liberty, Missouri, Celeste Alexander and husband Steven of Del Valle, Texas; great-niece, Serina Taylor of Liberty, Missouri; and great-nephew Damian Alexander, of Del Valle, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2300 Country Club Rd., Duncan, OK 73533, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.whittfh.com.

VIEWING
Friday
April 10, 2020
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Whitt Funeral Home
4748 N. Highway 81
Duncan, OK 73533

VIEWING
Monday
April 13, 2020
8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Whitt Funeral Home
4748 N. Highway 81
Duncan, OK 73533

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