Martin L. "Mel" Forgey

Martin L. “Mel” Forgey, Jr. 84, of Lockhart and formerly of Ballinger died Sunday morning, January 29, 2012 in Luling Seton Hospital.

He was born February 22, 1927 in Lubbock, Texas to Martin Luther, Sr. and Cordelia (Smith) Forgey. He graduated from Ballinger High School and attended the University of Texas at Austin after the war. Mel and Juanita Fay Bryan were married on February 17, 1951 in Ballinger. He was a marketing specialist for Lone Star Gas Company for over 40 years.

Mel was a World War II veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy in the south Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Prime. The ship was a minesweeper, and Mel specialized as sonar man and deep sea diver. He achieved the rank of Petty officer 3rd class.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Juanita; and sisters, Dorothy Toney and Cordie Toney.

Mel is survived by his children, Randal L. Forgey of Flagstaff, Arizona; Debra Chamberland and husband, Eddie, of Flint; Steven B. Forgey of Alaska; and Michael K. Forgey of Lockhart; grandchildren, Stephanie and Alan Chamberland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, February 3 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The funeral service will be held Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in Ballinger Evergreen Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Rodney Hambright, David Toney, Alan Chamberland, Mike Story, Pete Parker, and Michael Forgey. Honorary pallbearers are James Bradley, Dixon Toney, Alton Bryan, and Elwood Hambright.