Forrest L. Smythe age 92, of Newark, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026 surrounded by family. He was born on June 9, 1934 in Dresden, OH to the late Ira & Mary (Ensley) Smythe.

He was a beloved son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Throughout his life, he was known for his kindness, strength, generosity, hard work, and friendly smile and wave. He touched the lives of many and leaves behind countless memories that will forever be cherished.

Forrest was a 1953 Graduate of Jefferson High School. He had a wonderful 31 year career as a welder at Rockwell and retired in 1986. Following his retirement Forrest & Thelma wintered in Englewood, Florida thru 2023 making many life long friendships.

He took great pride in being a Troop 23 Scout Master for 15 years and encompassed his life around being a Licking County 4-H Band Advisor (1979-2023). He was an avid OSU Buckeyes fan and most games you would find him in the stands at a Utica Redskins sporting event. His presence brought joy, laughter, and love to those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 wonderful years, Thelma (Acord) Smythe of Newark; daughter Marsha (Terry) Conley of Newark; grandchildren Trisha (Kenny) Schwartz, Mark Carlin, Bethany (Derek) Simon, Eric (Charity) Lindsey, Trenton Conley, Tory (Bryce) Thomson; 12 great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Kody, Brooklynn, Bayleigh, Weston, Trevor, Libby, John, Kenna, Kambri, Bertram, Lainey; and great-great-granddaughter Ila. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Carlin; son in-law, John Carlin; and 2 brothers, Harvey Smythe & Francis Smythe.

Though our hearts are heavy with sadness, we find comfort in knowing that his love, lessons, and memories will live on in everyone whose life he touched.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8pm on Monday, November 9, 2026 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark. Funeral service will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home with Pastor Carol Hall officiating. Burial will follow at Newark Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Licking County 4-H Committee, 771 E Main St. Suite 103, Newark, OH 43055.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.

To order flowers locally, please visit www.johnedwardpriceflowers.com/ 

To order memorial gifts please visit memorial-gifts-at-brucker-kishler.myshopify.com/