Forrest Denver Leader

Forrest Denver Leader

La Marque - Mr. Forrest Denver Leader passed from this life Saturday morning, February 1, 2020, in La Marque.

Forrest was born March 2, 1928 in Hammond, Indiana to George Melvin and Allegra Sutton Leader. His father remarried Josephine Elurie (Gifford) Leader when Forrest was only 4 years old and was his true mother. Work brought the family to Texas, but luck landed him in Texas City. Forrest was an avid fisherman, but one day he found himself hooked after helping a young lady free her fishing line. He married that young lady, Louise, on September 21, 1948 and they spent 65 beautiful years together. Forrest was a hard worker and spent his entire career at the Texas City Railway. He retired as a chief yard master but always stayed busy. He was a godly man who understood the importance of kindness and love. Forrest was known for handing out his special bookmarks with words of encouragement and the love of God. He was jokingly nicknamed Catfish for his hardheaded attitude, but also lovingly nicknamed Superman because he was a hero to many. Forrest had integrity and values that made it hard to measure up to and we will forever be grateful for the lessons he taught us all.     

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise Leader; brothers, Arthur LeRoy and George Freeman Leader; sister, Irene Ridgeway.

Survivors include his sons, Arthur LeRoy Leader and wife, Nancy, Barry Wayne Leader; daughter, Louise Amelia Leader; sister, Peggy Lou Clayton and husband, Sidney; cousins, Carol Leader-Wilhoite, Byron Gifford; 7 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; faithful furry companion, Baby and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A private cremation was conducted under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501. The family is having a celebration of life ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on February 29, 2020, at the Texas City Church of the Nazarene, 2105 5th Ave N, Texas City, TX 77590.  After the service everyone is welcome to join the family at San Lorenzo’s Restaurant, 2441 FM 646 Rd W, Dickinson, TX 77539.  Memorials in the form of donations may be made in Forrest’s name to The American Cancer Society, Post Office Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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