Forest Edward Wampler, Jr.

Forest Edward Wampler Jr., 91, of Orem, Utah, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 3, 1934, in Savannah, Missouri, to Forest Edward Wampler Sr. and Ethel Marie Wells.

Forest grew up during the Great Depression in a family of seven. He was the middle child among his four siblings: Betty, Shirley, Diane, and Dennis. Reflecting on those early years, he once said, “We did not have much, but we had enough to get by. We didn’t have the sense to know we were poor, but for the most part, we were happy.”

Like many families during that time, the Wamplers left Missouri looking for work in 1943. Their original destination was Oregon, but after stopping to visit three of Forest Sr.’s siblings who had recently moved to California, the family settled first in Burbank and later in North Hollywood, where Forest spent much of his youth.

From an early age, Forest learned the value of hard work. At just twelve years old, he earned his first paycheck as a box boy at Friendly Market, a newly built grocery store across the street from his family home. He quickly advanced to stock work, beginning what would become a lifelong career in the grocery business. After a brief period working outside the trade, he returned to the industry and eventually managed stores in the Community Market chain.

Forest joined the United States Naval Reserve while still in high school and entered active duty in 1953 during the Korean War. He served as a Yeoman Petty Officer Third Class and was honorably discharged in December 1954. His military service broadened his perspective and helped to further develop the discipline and resilience that would guide him throughout his life.

After returning home, Forest resumed his career in the grocery business. His path came full circle when, together with his brother-in-law and lifelong friend, Joseph Alfred “Al” Memmott, he purchased the very store across the street from his family home where he had once worked as a boy. They named it Forest & Al’s Community Market, which became a beloved fixture in the Sun Valley community until it was sold in the early 1970s.

Forest married Jacqueline “Jackie” Gayle Memmott on February 8, 1958. Jackie, Al’s sister and a longtime friend of Forest’s sister Diane, had known Forest for years before their friendship grew into a lifelong partnership. Together, they built a marriage that lasted more than 63 years, marked by devotion, perseverance, and deep love. They were blessed with four children: Gary “Craig,” Cindy Marie, Karen Diane, and Larry Edward.

In 1983, Forest and Jackie moved to Orem, Utah, where they opened a take-and-bake pizza restaurant in Provo named “Woody’s Pizza.” Later, after selling the business, Forest worked alongside his neighbor and friend, Leonard Lee, at Giraffics, a silk screen printing and sign making company, until his retirement.

In Utah, Forest embraced time with family and simple pleasures. He and Jackie showed up for every possible event for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He continued to develop his lifelong love for the game of golf and enjoyed the camaraderie it brought. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and BYU sports and rarely missed a chance to cheer on his favorite teams. He and Jackie were avid season ticket holders at the Hale Family Theatre. He also enjoyed reading and watching classic westerns.

In January 1988, Forest experienced a major turning point in his health when he went into cardiac arrest shortly after arriving at the hospital with severe chest pain. In the years that followed, he faced numerous health challenges, including open-heart surgery, brain surgery, a second heart attack, knee replacements, pulmonary fibrosis, and congestive heart failure. He also endured Jackie’s diagnosis of lung cancer and her passing in 2022. Despite these trials, he demonstrated remarkable patience and endurance and continued to live with determination and gratitude. A consummate optimist, his daughter-in-law, Janet, once remarked, “With Dad, the glass was never half empty or half full—it was always full!”

Throughout his life, Forest worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He believed in commitment and perseverance, and loved his family without reservation. Though he openly acknowledged his imperfections, he remained honest, humble and deeply grateful for the life he had been given.

Forest was a storyteller, a teacher, and a man of faith. In his later years, he found great joy in sharing memories, offering guidance on marriage and life to his children and grandchildren, and preserving his personal and family history for future generations. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership roles. His testimony of the Savior and His gospel were reflected in a life grounded in gratitude, responsibility, and enduring faith.

Forest was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jackie; his siblings: Betty Lou (Reeser), Shirley Ann (Miller), Nellie “Diane” (Ruppel), and Dennis Eugene Wampler and son-in-law Victor Marquez.

He is survived by his four children: Craig (Janet) Wampler, Cindy (Tom) Jarvie, Karen (Brad) Canfield, and Larry (Mike Pfister) Wampler; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by his love and example.

Forest’s life was defined by endurance, loyalty, humor, and love. Through the stories he shared, the lessons he taught, and the family he nurtured, his legacy will continue.

An evening viewing for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 6-8 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 158 East 1100 South, Orem. Funeral services will be on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 158 East 1100 South, Orem, with a viewing held that morning at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. A grave dedication and internment will immediately follow at Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE