In Memory Of
Thomas E. Forbes
1947
2020
Thomas E. Forbes
June 19, 1947 — August 12, 2020
Thomas E. Forbes of Topeka, KS, passed away from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at his home on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at the age of 73. Tom was born in Burlington, KS on June 19, 1947. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1965, received a B.A. in Political Science from Washburn University in 1969, and a B.S. in engineering from the University of Kansas in 1973.
He married Melody Weyer on December 27, 1969, and the two resided in Houston, TX, Coffeyville, KS, Kansas City, MO, and Topeka, KS during Tom's 40-year career as a mechanical engineer in the oil and gas industry. Tom retired from Kansas Gas Service in 2012, and he spent an active retirement traveling with Melody, including annual Caribbean cruises with friends, beach trips with family, and visits to Washington D.C. and Germany.
Tom was active in Boy Scouts his entire life. He was an Eagle Scout, made multiple treks to Philmont Scout Ranch, and served as an Eagle Scout mentor for Topeka Troop 175. He will be remembered for his ability to build or fix anything, his joy in playing with his three grandchildren, and his love of the ocean, KU basketball, and lemon cake. Tom always had his family's back and stood ready to help with anything under any circumstance. He was a devoted caretaker to his mother for 20 years, helped his children make innumerable cross-country moves, and he and Melody celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2019.
Tom is survived by his wife, Melody; son Cory Forbes (Susanne) of Dallas, TX; daughter Melissa Forbes (Jim Webb) of Washington D.C.; grandchildren Owen, Quinn, and Eleanor; and sister Susan Forbes of Topeka. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Forbes of Burlington, KS.
A celebration of Tom's life will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 in the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue at the Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Blvd & SW Zoo Pkwy, Topeka. Private interment was held at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter, 6950 Squibb Rd., Ste. #210, Mission, KS 66202 or the Boy Scouts of America, Jayhawk Area Council, 1020 SE Monroe St., Topeka, KS 66612.
To leave a message for Tom's family, please visit the guestbook below.
He married Melody Weyer on December 27, 1969, and the two resided in Houston, TX, Coffeyville, KS, Kansas City, MO, and Topeka, KS during Tom's 40-year career as a mechanical engineer in the oil and gas industry. Tom retired from Kansas Gas Service in 2012, and he spent an active retirement traveling with Melody, including annual Caribbean cruises with friends, beach trips with family, and visits to Washington D.C. and Germany.
Tom was active in Boy Scouts his entire life. He was an Eagle Scout, made multiple treks to Philmont Scout Ranch, and served as an Eagle Scout mentor for Topeka Troop 175. He will be remembered for his ability to build or fix anything, his joy in playing with his three grandchildren, and his love of the ocean, KU basketball, and lemon cake. Tom always had his family's back and stood ready to help with anything under any circumstance. He was a devoted caretaker to his mother for 20 years, helped his children make innumerable cross-country moves, and he and Melody celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2019.
Tom is survived by his wife, Melody; son Cory Forbes (Susanne) of Dallas, TX; daughter Melissa Forbes (Jim Webb) of Washington D.C.; grandchildren Owen, Quinn, and Eleanor; and sister Susan Forbes of Topeka. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Forbes of Burlington, KS.
A celebration of Tom's life will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 in the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue at the Topeka Zoo, 635 SW Gage Blvd & SW Zoo Pkwy, Topeka. Private interment was held at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the ALS Association Mid-America Chapter, 6950 Squibb Rd., Ste. #210, Mission, KS 66202 or the Boy Scouts of America, Jayhawk Area Council, 1020 SE Monroe St., Topeka, KS 66612.
To leave a message for Tom's family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Thomas E. Forbes, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Starts at 1:30 pm (Central time)
Japanese Garden
Guestbook
Visits: 4
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