Larry Kyle Forrest, 61, of Kyle, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at his home. Larry was born June 1, 1951 in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Edison High School, Fairfax, VA and received his B.S. Degree in Physiological Psychology from George Mason University. Prior to graduation from college, Larry served in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving college, he and his wife moved to Austin where he worked for the State of Texas before he followed a life long passion for astronomy by founding and developing the optics engineering and manufacturing firm Glass Mountain Optics. He served as President and CEO of that company until its recent acquisition by a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. Larry was a former member of the Austin Astronomical Society, donating time and talents to that organization. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Austin Planetarium, working toward the establishment of a home for the Planetarium. In his retirement he was an avid traveler and was an accomplished photographer.
His loving wife of 41 years, Sharleen Forrest and his sister Sue Forrest survive him. His father, Albert Forrest and mother, Mildred Forrest of Virginia and Florida and brother Richard Forrest preceded him in death.
Memorial service will be held at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle on Friday, September 21, 2012 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Austin Planetarium.org.
