Forrest Eugene Ganther

Forrest Eugene Ganther, 91, of Eldon, Missouri, went to be with the Lord on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Hermitage Nursing & Rehab.  He was born on June 16, 1934, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the son of Fred and Ona Mae (Pruett) Ganther.

He attended school in Muskogee, Oklahoma, until February 4, 1952, when he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17.  He served aboard the U.S.S. John R. Craig during the Korean War.

Forrest spent most of his adult life in the optical manufacturing industry, working for Coburn Optical in Muskogee; Dal-Tex in Dallas, Texas; and later returning to Coburn Optical in Muskogee until 1984, when he was transferred to Eldon, Missouri, to serve as Plant Manger of Sola Optical, a subsidiary of Pilkington.  While employed at Coburn Optical, Forrest had the privilege of piloting the company plane while making service calls to repair and set up optical equipment east of Oklahoma.  He flew a Piper Cub, a Mooney MK20, and a Beechcraft Bonanza.

Forrest and Louise lived in Muskogee, Oklahoma; Anderson, South Carolina; Irving, Texas; returning to Muskogee; and ultimately moved to Eldon.  Upon retirement, Forrest served one term as Interim Mayor of Eldon.

Forrest enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hunting, and being in nature.  Forrest and Louise were faithful Christians who loved serving the Lord in churches in every community in which they lived.  While in Eldon, the Lord led Forrest to First Baptist Church of Eldon, where he was a faithful and dedicated member, serving as a deacon, Sunday School Director, Building Project Leader, and in numerous other roles.  He also served as a board member of the Missouri Children’s Home in Mount Vernon, Missouri.

After the loss of his wife of 61 years, Forrest joined Grief Share and found himself surrounded by caring and supportive friends.  Forrest was a man of honor and integrity and leaves a legacy of kindness, understanding, acceptance, and unwavering Christian love and faith.

Forrest is survived by his two daughters, Sheryl Kay (Chester) Baize of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Katrina Jo (Steve) Mawhiney of Urbana, Missouri; one sister, Jane(the late Dan) Koontz of Barksdale, Texas; four grandchildren, Tory (Andrew) Linville of Springfield, MO; Amy (Cary Pauls) Oestreich of Wheatland, Missouri; Cheyenne (Hayley) Green of Springfield, Missouri; and Adam Engle of Jefferson City, Missouri; five great-grandchildren, Courtney, Gregory, Taylor, Garen, and Raelynn; and tree great-great-grandchildren, Danny, Autumn, and Carson, with another great-great-grandson, James, expected soon.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Forrest was blessed with many dear friends whom he loved deeply.  Among his closest friends were Mike and Linda Procter; Dixie Quinn; Mary and Howard Sears; Rick and Barb Shepherd; and Beverly Norton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary “Louise” Ganther; his sister and brother-in-law, Judy (Don) Broaddus; and his two sons, Randall Eugene Ganther and Gregory Eugene Ganther.

A Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Eldon, on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM with a Celebration of Life beginning at 1:00 PM and Rev. Bill Gernenz officiating and Full Military Honors presented.  Burial at Green Hill Cemetery in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on Saturday January 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM, where Forrest will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials in his name are suggested to the Leukemia Foundation or the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.      

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Forrest Eugene Ganther, please visit our floral store.