Col. Richard A. DeForest, USMC, Ret., 63. Colorado, Colorado Springs, 80921.

The cancer treatment that preserved life in his twenties sowed the seeds for death in his sixties. His family is thankful for the mostly healthy decades in between.

Deceased February 17, 2026. Richard worked as a civilian at Peterson Space Force Base for the past five years and at Marine Corps Forces North, when it was located in New Orleans, from 2011-2021. He served as an infantry and Light Armored Reconnaissance officer in the United States Marine Corps from 1985-2010. Richard greatly valued the camaraderie he shared with his fellow Marines and other co-workers through the years.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Helen Lucille Shingler DeForest, formerly of Spartanburg, SC; his sons Roy DeForest and Jack (Myranda) DeForest; grandchildren Amelia, Matilda, and Emmett DeForest; mother Angalee DeForest; sister Adrienne (Christopher) Marano; nieces Angalee and Helen Marano; and his good dog, Trixie.

Predeceased by his father, Col. Roy E. DeForest, USMC, Ret. Richard was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

Never one for half measures, he gave one hundred percent of himself to every relationship. His physical presence will be greatly missed, but there is comfort in knowing that his eternal, joyful spirit can yet abide with us.

Funeral services to be held at Quantico National Cemetery this summer (date TBD). 

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Semper Fi and America’s Fund (thefund.org), Semper Fi and America’s Fund, 825 College Blvd, Ste 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057