Ziba "Uncle Pete" DeForest

Ziba “Uncle Pete” Bertram DeForest 93 of Central Lake died December 7, 2020.  He was born May 28, 1927 in Central Lake, the son of Clarence and Electa (Barnes) DeForest.

Ziba retired after 20 years of service in the United States Air Force.  He served during World War II, the Korean War and also the Vietnam War.  He worked for several years care taking Southern Cemetery.  In his spare time, he enjoyed reading cowboy westerns, playing card games, board games, dice, and puzzle books.

On May 4, 1964 he married Barbara Tooke who preceded him in death in 2014.  Also preceding him in death are his son Kenneth DeForest, his grandson Robby Morton, great grandson John White Jr., and sisters Ruby Chisholm, Goldie Bancroft, Opal Holiday, Pearl Martindale, Ada Peck, Florence Mason, Sylvia DeHaan, and Louise Moore.

Surviving are his children Barbara (Darcy) Connor of LaPorte, TX, Tammy DeForest of South Houston, TX, Tad (Tina) DeForest of Central Lake, sister Bette Horner of Caro, grandchildren Melissa Morton, Mike (Dee) Hopper, Jason Mills, Danielle Connor, Ashley Morton, Alyssa Morton, Timothy (Carly) DeForest, Taylor (Kaileigh) DeForest, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will take place Friday, December 11, at 3 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Russell Tharp officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service.  Interment with military honors will follow in Southern Cemetery.  Memorial donations can be given to the family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.

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