ROANOKE, VA --- Edwin Donald Forren, age 97, of Roanoke, VA, passed away at the Elk's Home in Bedford, VA on Monday, July 12, 2021. Edwin was born Monday, May 19, 1924 in Sinks Grove, Monroe County, WV, the son of the late John William Forren and Myrtle Clara Burns Forren. He enjoyed growing up on a farm on Stringtown Road and attended Dewey School. Before retiring to the Bonsack area he lived in Union, WV, where he worked as a farmer, caretaker for Green Hill Cemetery, cashier at CJ's Store. Kittle's Feed and Supply, Union Service Station, and custodian at the Union Post Office. Edwin was a devoted Christian and a member of Bonsack Baptist Church, where he served on the Board of Deacons. He was drafted into the Army on May 15, 1943 and fought in the Battle of The Hurtgen Forest on December 1, 1944. He received several medals for excellent marksmanship with both the rifle and pistol, and the "Purple Heart". He was discharged on April 23, 1945 as a service connected disabled veteran. He loved his country and was proud to have served in World War II. He was a member of The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans. He was proud to be able to tell people he was a "West Virginian" and he always kept a special place in his heart for precious memories of life in Monroe County. Each week he looked forward to reading "The Monroe Watchman" and keeping up with all the happenings of home. Edwin loved and cherished his family as he always put them first and wanted the best for them, especially his grandchildren. He was delighted to share with them the family history and the shenanigans of his childhood and days gone by.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Florine Thompson Forren, his second wife, Ruth Carter Forren, and one daughter, Wilma Jean Forren Stanley. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Eva Forren, Ada Burns, Juanita Morris, Mary Bennett; four brothers, Thomas, Basil, Masil, and Earl; four sisters-in-law, Annie Dunbar Forren, Christine Thompson Forren, Melba Grimett Forren, Barbara Grimmett Forren, and Virginia Taylor Forren; two brother-in-laws, Clyde Burns, and Harvey Morris. Surviving to cherish his memory is one son, Dallas Forren and wife Brenda of Bedford, VA; three grandchildren, Shannon Stanley Harless and husband Donnie of Blue Ridge, VA; Howie Forren and wife Lee of Virginia Beach, VA; and Shawn Stanley and wife Jennifer of Roanoke, VA; seven great-grandchildren, Sara Jean Forren and fiancé, Tyler Limbrick of Fredericksburg, VA, Kristopher Forren of Chesapeake, VA, Haley Seitz of Virginia Beach, VA, Mitchell Harless of Blue Ridge, VA, Kierstyn Stanley of Roanoke, VA, Austin Stanley of Roanoke, VA, and Maddie Harless of Blue Ridge, VA. He is also survived by two brothers, Robert Forren and Donald Forren both of Parkersburg, WV; one sister, Mary Osborne and husband Max of Rainelle, WV; one brother-in-law, Dewey Bennett of Alderson, WV.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2021 at the Groves-Mann Funeral Home Chapel in Union, WV with Pastor Kelly Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery in Union, WV, where the Ronceverte Honor Guard/American Legion Post 26 will conduct Military Graveside Rites. The family will receive friends Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Howie Forren, Shawn Stanley, Tyler Limbrick, Donnie Harless, Kristopher Forren, Mitchell Harless, and Austin Stanley will serve as Pallbearers.

The family requests that memorial donations be made in Edwin's memory to: Bonsack Baptist Church, 4845 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, VA 24019. For those wishing to send the Forren Family online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union, WV.