Alfred "Slim" Wayne Forester

Alfred Wayne "Slim" Forester, 83, of Defiance, OH, passed away December 1st in the ultimate act of Grinchiness.

Wayne was born October 12, 1942, to Ray (1967) and Toy (Newton, 2013) Forester. He married Karen Craker on November 27, 1965. Together, they had two children, Kelly (Wendy) Forester and April (Rob) Pike. He leaves behind his younger brother, Robert (Sheila) Forester. Over their sixty year marriage, Karen and Wayne had six grandchildren: Dakotah (Andrew) Gumm, Jessica (Devin) Salzbrenner, Dyami (Kayla) Pike, Storm Forester, Delanie (Keaghn) Kirkman, and Dalton Pike. They were blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Austin, Abigail, Nickolai, Asher, Avalee, Dorian, Elijah Wayne, and baby Kayson on the way. Wayne is lovingly remembered by countless nieces, nephews, in-laws, foster children, and bonus grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sharon Forester Kent (2020).

Wayne retired from General Motors in 2004 after 32 years. He was a Vietnam Veteran and a lifelong member of the Marine Corps League and the VFW. You could usually find him visiting with friends, drinking coffee at Buds, worshiping at First Church of God, or watching NCIS and S.W.A.T. reruns while doing word searches. He loved a good campfire, football, basketball, and the Gaithers. He will be missed.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the funeral home, with Pastor Tyson Nofzinger and Pastor Larry Kennedy officiating. Military honors will follow the service conducted by VFW Post #3360.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

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