Donavon "Ace" Forrest

Donavon “Ace” Forrest passed away on Friday, February 18 at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  Ace was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Wilma Jean Forrest, brother Ronnie Forrest and grandson Nathan Elfrink.

He is survived by his wife Cindy and her sons Josh (Jordan) Hatfield and Jake Hatfield;  daughters DoDe (Tod) McVey and Annie (Bill) Switalski; sister Arnette (Dan) Simpson; grandchildren Ethan, Evan, and Ellie Rae all of West Jefferson.  

Ace grew up in West Jefferson, Ohio and graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1967.  He served as a volunteer firefighter for the Jefferson Township Fire Department.  Ace was also an active member and Treasurer of the Hickory Hills Golf Club. He was a Board Member at Citizens Bank in London, Ohio for many years.  

His allegiance was to his business, Forrest Trucking, and his dedication to both customers and employees was unwavering. Ace respected and appreciated the loyalty from every employee and strived to create a successful work environment for all.  

Ace was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State University Buckeye football teams.  His passion was so intense, and sometimes noisy, that Ace found himself watching the games with the only household member who could tolerate his outbursts - his beloved black cat, Mr. Mel Mel.  Ace and Mr. Mel Mel bonded through many hours of head butts, treats, and belly rubs.  

When not watching football, Ace enjoyed many different games with family and friends.  He loved a good crossword puzzle and relished in fierce games of Scrabble with Cindy, Josh and Jake. Although Cindy usually won, the men were good sports – most of the time!  Ace appreciated the time he spent in Las Vegas with his friends and the craps tables were never the same after their visits.  

Ace looked forward to times with friends whether he was at Hickory Hills, Pelican Sound, or the local bar for a happy hour.  His larger- than- life presence, but often in his quiet way, will be missed by so many.  Raise a cold Miller Lite bottle for our Ace Man.  Cheers to you Ace and a life well-lived!   

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel2Towers Foundation, The Salvation Army or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.

A graveside service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, 11:30 AM, at Jefferson Township Pleasant Hill Cemetery located at the intersection on West Main Street (U.S. 40) and Taylor-Blair Road in West Jefferson. Immediately following, there will be a Celebration of Life held at Forrest Trucking at 6510 State Rte. 29.  Arrangements completed at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME of HILLIARD, 5471 Frazell Rd.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.