Forrest Earl Brockman, 93, of Cole Camp, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Cole Camp. He was born on June 22, 1933, near Cole Camp, Missouri, a son of Herbert and Blanche (Ebeling) Brockman.
On July 16, 1933, he was baptized by Pastor H. C. Wolters at Trinity Lutheran Church at Monsees. Forrest was confirmed on June 2, 1946, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Cole Camp by Pastor O. C. Jagels. After graduating from the Balke Prairie School, he helped out on the farm and then at the age of 19, he was drafted into the United States Army. He completed basic training at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, and then went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, for survey training. The Korean War ended during his first 40 days in the US Army, so Forrest was sent to Nurnberg, Germany, for the next seventeen months.
After his tour in the US Army, he worked in Sedalia, Missouri, for a short while and then was hired here in Cole Camp to work for V & H Gas Co. Propane and then for Heet Gas Co. He was a serviceman for Heet Gas Co. for the next 35 years until he retired on May 3, 1997.
On July 7, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp, Pastor Oscar J. Heimsoth united him in marriage to Olga Leona Ehlers. This union was blessed with two children: Pam and Dennis.
For 35 years, Forrest was considered one of Cole Camp's town historians, having many individuals come to his house for his researched information. Eventually having several books on Cole Camp and the Civil War published by local author, Randy Linss. His research in genealogy tracked the Brockman family back to the 1500s.
Forrest was a faithful servant to the Lord by attending church every Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church until health reasons moved him to the Good Samaritan Care Center. He was also a member of the American Legion Post No. 305 of Cole Camp.
He is survived by his wife, Olga Brockman; daughter, Pam Luetjen and Philip of Cole Camp; son, Dennis Brockman and Diane of Ionia; grandchildren, Brittany Mullins, Michael Brockman, and Andrea Reedy; and great-grandchildren, Nora Mullins and Eleanor Reedy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Blanche Brockman, sisters, Ila Mae Yoss and Martha Ann Brockman and brother, Roy Glenn Brockman.
The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cole Camp where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Gregory R. Truwe officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Cole Camp with military honors by the American Legion Post No. 305 of Cole Camp. Pallbearers will be Cody Mullins, Bill Viebrock, Michael Brockman, Lynn Corpening, Nathan Corpening, and Kevin Yoss.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp.
