Toby Forshag, 99, Veteran of World War II

Clarence Hunter Forshag, affectionately known as Toby, Daddy, and PawPaw, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026, just one month shy of his 100th birthday. Born to Elmer and Ione Forshag on February 14, 1926, in Montpelier, he was the oldest of two boys. Intentional and deliberate in all his life’s choices, Toby was a veteran who proudly served his country during World War II as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy. Upon his return, he met and married Betty Jo Gillespie, and together they raised two children in the City of Central, where they watched their family grow with the addition of five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

He was known for his unwavering commitment to his family and his community, where he was a long-time member of and trustee for Zoar Baptist Church. He was instrumental in the establishment and building of Central Private School as one of its founding board members, and he also served as co-owner of Gillespie Lumber Co. 

Toby never met a stranger, and the only things he loved more than his family and his faith were cutting his grass and visiting with his many friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Theresa Gillespie, his wife of nearly 60 years Betty Jo, his son Mike Howell, his son-in-law Warren Holland, his brother Norwood, and sister-in-law “Liz.” 

He is survived by his loving daughter, Tracy Holland, and daughter-in-law, Lynda Howell; granddaughters Keeley Brooks and husband Chuck, Leigh Wagner and husband Matt, and Kayla Baudoin and husband Kevin; grandsons Stephen Howell and wife Suzanne, and Jason Howell and wife Maranda; great-grandchildren Mathew and Elizabeth Howell, and Hailey, McKenna, and Maddox Wagner; nieces Gay New and husband Charlie, Connie Guzzardo and husband David, Diana Petitto and husband Anthony (“Possum”), and Ann Stevens and husband Brent; beloved nephew Russell Forshag and wife Sandra; and dozens of great and great-great nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Stephen and Jason, grandsons-in-law, Matt and Kevin, great grandson, Maddox, and long-time friend and Sunday School teacher Ron Sandifer.

As a man of service to his family, faith, country, and community, Toby leaves behind a legacy full of wisdom that has impacted and will continue to impact future generations. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the care and support he received from Clarity Hospice, his nurse Dana, and sitters Ms. Katherine and Ms. Melanie.