- State: Missouri
Donnie DeWayne Forbis 68, of Columbia, formerly of Moberly, peacefully moved on to his Heavenly Home, Saturday May 28, 2022, embraced by his loving wife Rita Gayle and Family as we sang “Jesus Loves Me” and prayed.
Preceding him in death were his parents Donnie Paul and Violet Margaret (Knesse) Forbis , uncle Charles Wayne Forbis , aunt Mary Alene Niles, grandmother Edith Mae Forbis,other family and friends.
DeWayne is survived by his wife Rita Gayle Forbis, stepson Adam Daniel Wilcox, a sister Deborah Sue Spry, other family and friends.
DeWayne was a long time resident of Moberly Missouri forming many friendships and known to some by his nickname “FOBO.”
He worked for his dad Donnie and Uncle Wayne at the Forbis City Service Station across from the Moberly Junior High School and graduated from Moberly Senior High School in 1972.
DeWayne patriotically served in the United States Navy. He deployed for three tours of duty in Vietnam serving as the door gunner on Our Navy’s Huey Helicopters off the deck of the United States Naval Aircraft Carrier Midway and was honorably discharged back home to Moberly, Missouri, USA.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, a 32nd degree Master Mason. Participating in many community benefit groups and events.
He loved riding his Harley with Family and Friends from Trustees Cycle Shop in Moberly.
DeWayne was joined in holy matrimony with Rita Gayle (Kendall) Lyon in September of 2021 with a beautiful ceremony orchestrated by the Radiation Oncology Department at the University Medical Center. The Hospital Chaplain, Art Dyer said it was the most joyous ceremony he had ever performed.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and fought it with the strength and courage of a Vietnam War Veteran. He loved life and was thankful for every day God gave him. He was a warrior with a good heart and lived life to the fullest.
