Obituary of John Ralph Forman

John Ralph Forman, 92 of Bedford, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Oakwood Health & Rehab. Center. He was born on Friday, November 7, 1924 in Moatsville, WV, a son of the late Isaac M. Forman and Zona Clarkson Forman. He was also preceded in death by his 1st wife, Jean F. Hunt Forman, his 2nd wife, Mary Lee Bailey Forman, his brothers & sisters, Mabel (Oda) Moats, Earl (Vivian) Forman, Marie (Tom) Wilson, Fred (Dorothy) Forman. Shortly after his 18th birthday, he was inducted into the U. S. Navy where he served 2 years aboard the USS Dempsey D.E. 26 as a radar and sonar operator in the South Pacific. After his discharge, he served as a rural mail carrier in Independence, WV and Odenton, Maryland retiring after 27 years of service. He moved to Bedford in 1979 because he was told it was a good place to live! He was also a member of Bedford Baptist Church, V. F. W Post # 2157 and the Liberty Masonic Lodge #95. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Kay Bolyard & husband, Gary of Independence, WV; his grandchildren, Philip A. Bolyard & wife, Julie, Ann L. Szczepanski & husband, Jarett; his great-grandchildren, Isabelle Bolyard, Grant Bolyard, Isaac Bolyard, Elena Szczepanski, as well as several nieces & nephews & many friends. The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider VFW Post # 2157, P. O. Box 95, Bedford, VA 24523 or VFW - Grafton 225, W. Main Street, Grafton, WV 26354. Funeral services will be held at 7 PM on Friday, November 25, 2016 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Dr. David Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 2 until 7 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford. Additional services will be held on Monday, November 28 at Bolyard Funeral home, Newburg, WV. www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com Interment will follow in West Virginia National Cemetery, Pruntytowm WV. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.