Deacon Paul Milton Forward

Paul Milton Forward was born April 2, 1946, to Hardy & Laverne Forward in Houston, Texas. He was raised in Fifth Ward and attended Crawford Elementary, E.O. Smith Junior High School and graduated from Phyllis Wheatly High School (class of 1964). After graduation, he was drafted in (1966) into the United States Marine Corp., to serve in the Vietnam War. He retired from the Marine Corp. in (1994). His accomplishment during this time go as follows: • Primary Specialty: Rifleman, Infantry Unit Leader, Small Arms & Repair Technician • Decorations: M-16 Rifle Expert *2nd Award), 9MM Pistol Expert, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Navy Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (3rd Award) , Navy Unit Commendation (3rd Award), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross Color), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Civil Actions Color 1st Class), Good Conduct Medal (7th Award) , Humanitarian Service Medal, Overseas Deployment Ribbon (5th Award), Republic of Vietnam Service Medal (8th Award) and Combat Action Ribbon • Military Education: Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Course and Basic Law Enforcement RES Academy After he retired from the United States Marine Corp., in 1994, he worked as Head of Security and Facilities at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. In addition, he worked as a Facilities Manager at several US Border Offices. Paul was a loving son, brother, father and spouse. From the time he was a young man he had the drive to do what was necessary to make things work. He had a wonderful work ethic and was committed to family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hardy and Laverne Forward and two brothers Hardy Jr. and Charles Forward; and spouse Ellanor Forward (m63-69); and spouse Lavon (m70- 2013). He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his spouse Melissa (m2016); his sister, Linda Forward Winkley; his children, Ava Annell Taylor, Angela Williams (Andre), Cheri Woodard, Dominic Flowers, Danyelle Hankal (Pierce), Roland Ovalle, Genevieve Ovalle and Findencio Hernandez, Jr.; (13) grandchildren, (12) great grandchildren and (2) great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives & friends. A word from Melissa Forward: McAllen - I come to you with a humble heart to announce the graduation of my husband, Marine Deacon Paul Forward, to our Heavenly Father's presence as of August 26th 2024. Please pray for a smooth transition. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 5th 2024 at Rising Star Baptist Church, 1021 E Van Week Edinburg TX. Viewing will be from 5pm to 9pm and services will start at 7pm led by @Kingdom Connection Worship Center and assisted by Mount Olive Worship Center and Jazz Musician, Ismael Chavez. God receive all the glory! There will be a final viewing on Friday, September 6th 2024 at 9:00am at the RSB Church building. Burial will immediately follow at 11:00am at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8788 will conduct full Military Honors.

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Deacon Paul Milton Forward

August 26, 2024