Joseph F. Forst, DelDOT retiree

Joseph F. Forst, 89, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Country Rest Home in Greenwood.

Joe was born and raised in Georgetown, where he remained a lifelong resident.

Joe retired from the Delaware Department of Transportation in 1991 as a utility inspector after 31 years of service. He also operated a seal coating business and was a professional taxidermist and commercial fisherman. Joe was a horseman, training and showing horses for many years.  

Joe was a member of Harbeson United Methodist Church and had been an active member of Henlopen Ruritan Club. He served in the Army National Guard, and in more recent years, was a member of Improved Order of Redmen and was heavily involved with the USMC Toys for Tots program.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Homer G. and Helen R. (Bailey) Forst; his second wife, Phyllis E. (Long) Herrington Forst; and his first wife, Nancy (Townsend) Downs.

He is survived by two sons, Steve Forst (Gail Fleetwood) of Georgetown, and Jeffrey D. Forst (Bonnie) of Greensboro, Md.; two grandsons, Christopher Russell Forst and Hunter Godfrey Forst, both of Lewes; two stepsons, Robert B. Herrington Jr. of Ocean View, and Jay B. Herrington (Lina) of Fleming Island, Fla.; two step-grandsons, Charles Herrington (Alana) of Orange Park, Fla., and Michael Herrington (Carmen) of Middleburg, Fla.; three step-great-grandchildren, Chance, Harper and Olivia Herrington; and one sister, Mable Sammons of Georgetown.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, with a time of visitation for family and friends beginning at noon. Burial will be in Harbeson UMC Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to Harbeson UM Church, P.O. Box 45, Harbeson, DE  19951; or local Ruritan Club.

Online condolences are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.