Hugh Forrest

Hugh Forrest was born on April 13, 1935, in Aiken, South Carolina. Hugh went to heaven to join his beloved son Nathan March 12, 2012. He passed away from complications of multiple myeloma, at home in Olathe, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to: Nathan B. Forrest Memorial Scholarship (WSU #611066), Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67266, or to Operation Wildlife, 23375 Guthrie Rd., Linwood, KS 66052, or to the charity of choice.

Hugh loved airplanes and was determined to be a pilot. He started hanging out at the local airport and would build balsa and plastic airplane models as a young man. At one point he even attempted to see if his pet chicken could "fly" from atop the salt house at the family home. Flying would become his life's work.

Hugh was a graduate of Aiken High School where he played baseball and football. He joined the Navy in January 1953 and served fourteen months on Kwajalein Island during the end of the Korean War. After leaving the Navy he served in the USAF reserves for two years. He worked for the Augusta School of Aviation as a flight instructor and charter pilot for three years. In 1962 he started flying for Trans World Airlines (TWA). He was chosen to fly TWA charter flights for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs for two years. He retired from TWA in October 1987 to spend more time with his son and wife and to run his company Wings Unlimited, Inc. and his airport Cedar Airpark Airport in Olathe. Hugh's aviation career encompassed many facets of aviation some of which were airline captain, charter pilot, crop duster, banner tow pilot, flight instructor, and power line patrol. He was a superb Al & A&P mechanic. Hugh is a member of the United Methodist Church in DeSoto, Quiet Birdman, Swift Association, and the NRA.

Hugh is preceded in death by his loving son Nathan, his mother Susie Forrest and father Hoyt A. Forrest.

He is survived by his wife Pat Hockett and sister Susan Grove, Brother in law Larry Hockett (Jane), sister in laws Sandy Dyke, Bonnie Wells (Maynard), Marie Addison (Gary), Debra Rapson, Diane Hockett as well as nieces, nephews and many friends.