Many people dream of living a life that others might envy. Kyler lived that life. He may not have lived a life that would’ve been enviable in a way that society might define. No, Kyler wasn’t wealthy by financial measures. He didn’t have many earthly possessions; he wasn’t overly influential to very many people. Kyler lived a life that was enviable in his own unique way.
Kyler was born in Amarillo, Tx on March 28, 1997. He was the firstborn to his mom, Denise Gable and grandson to his loving grandparents Jimmy and Carolyn Gable.
When Kyler was born, he had a valve in his heart that didn’t close properly affecting his breathing. That caused his skin to stay a bluish color for the first several minutes of his
life. His body corrected and soon his skin returned to a pinkish color. This was the beginning of an inner strength that he showed throughout the entirety of his life. Early in his life he was on his own timeline in development. He was a healthy young boy physically, but he didn’t really speak much until age 3. This was a sign of his mentality even at a young age.
Throughout his life, he did things in his own way, in his own time.
At age 2 Kyler was adopted by Matt Forrest. Matt and Denise were married shortly after Kyler was born in 1997. The young Forrest family traveled across the country with Matt’s job. He got to see a lot of the country during that time. Growing up in a small family away from extended family continued to build on an inner strength and independence that he had.
In 2001 Kyler became a big brother when his sister Sara was born. The family moved to Rolla, Mo in 2003. Kyler and Sara’s relationship was like most siblings; They fought at times but grew up together in a loving home.
Kyler matured and developed in his own way. He loved playing video games. That love would continue with him throughout his life. He had many friends that he had met through church and school. Time and time again we’ve heard stories of how he connected with friends through his love for all things gaming. Despite occasional pressure to be someone different, he knew who he was and what he loved. He continued to pursue his love for gaming, and he was good at it. It was that very thing that carried him the last 2 years of his life. His online community was his lifeline and gave him a sense of normalcy in a time he desperately needed it. It was something he and Shawna loved to do together. Kyler also learned to play the guitar. He enjoyed music and once again in his life, found his own unique style. In his own quiet way, he was seen as a leader and defender for his friends.
In 2013 the family welcomed his youngest sister, Lilli. Kyler loved his sister and was excited when she arrived (although he tried hard not to show it.) In 2017 Kyler moved with his
family to his birthplace of Amarillo, Tx. Kyler always had a strong work ethic, and he went to work for George Distributors delivering beer. He had just started college and was working at Cane’s when he was diagnosed with cancer. He made some great friends there. Kyler met the love of his life Shawna through an online forum. His character was displayed through his love for her. Their love is part of that enviable life. He loved to cook special meals for her. Their love enriched both of their lives until the very last hour that he lived on this earth. Kyler continued his online presence and made many friends in the gaming community.
Kyler started having problems physically in 2020. He had severe abdominal pain over several months that led to him having his gallbladder removed. Even after having his gallbladder removed, he continued to have abdominal pain. In October 2022 he had an abdominal scan, and it was revealed that Kyler had a rare cancer called DSRCT. The diagnosis was terminal. He traveled with his parents to MD Anderson in Houston, Tx for a second opinion and to develop a plan of treatment. Over the course of that year Kyler made several grueling trips back and forth from Amarillo to Houston.
The chemotherapy destroyed his body. Kyler moved in with his grandparents in Amarillo that year. Even though the pain of his cancer and treatment were excruciating he rarely complained. That’s who he was. Silently Strong and independent, living life on his terms.
He had strong opinions on life and culture but only shared them when appropriate.
In the summer of 2024 Kyler made his love and commitment to Shawna public by asking for her hand in marriage. For both, it was a dream come true. Kyler had found and committed himself to his true love. They shared a love that was honest and true. We watched first-hand the last 5 months of his life, the two of them care for each other. Another part of his enviable life.
Kyler fought his disease with every ounce of strength that he had. He was surrounded by his family and his true love when he passed away November 26 at 1:15 pm.
Kyler Forrest lived an enviable life because he was confident in who he was, not needing the approval of others. He was rich in friends and love for his fiancé Shawna. He left this life way too early and he is profoundly missed. He leaves behind his mother and father, Matt and Denise Forrest; his sisters Haylee Carter, Sara Forrest and Lilli Forrest; his grandparents, Jimmy and Carolyn Gable and Janice Schafer; many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and cousins, and the love of his life, Shawna To’o.
I did not know your loved one. This is a wonderful tribute to him. This is one amazing life he lead. Sounds like a truly awesome man. Prayers for all of you during your loss. RIP young man, gone to soon.