William Warren Forsell, age 87, of Keizer, Ore., passed away on March 14, 2022 in Portland, Ore. He was born on July 6, 1934 in Twin Falls, Idaho. William graduated from Florence, Oregon-Class of ’52, and immediately joined the Army in 1953.
William proudly served 22 years in the Army where he served two terms of combat duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal two times, along with numerous other medals, and then retired Master Sergeant in 1977.
He then began his final career as a Claims Analyst for the State of Oregon DHS where he stayed for 21 years. He retired from state service at the age of 77.
William loved life, had a wicked sense of humor, and was an avid bowler nicknamed “Buck.” He loved helping the kids in the community with paying for sports equipment and they called him “Mr. Bulldog.” He was married to Nancy Lee Bachelder from 1958 to her passing in 1997, and then later married Sharon Shipp Sims in 1999 and they remained married until his death.
He was preceded in death by parents Lillian and Landon Forsell, brother Carl Forsell, and spouse Nancy. He was survived by spouse Sharon, brother Dick Forsell of Washington, sister Mary Ann Barker of California. Children Robert Forsell of Phoenix, Ariz., Mellanie Fowler, also of Phoenix, Elaine Hart of Canby, Ore., and two stepchildren, Kylie Petty of Salem, Ore. and Tyler Sims of Albany, Ore. Seven grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
William had a private family interment at Willamette National Cemetery in March 2022, and a Memorial Service at Silver Creek Fellowship in June 2022. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
