Forrest "Dale" Bolton

Forrest Dale Bolton, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the age of 95. Beloved husband of the late Carol Bolton; cherished son of the late Noel and Mary (Thurman) Bolton; devoted father of Keith (Pat) Bolton, Karen (Glen) Guenther, Carol (Tony) Crafton, and Tamara (Andy) Ireton; loving grandfather of Lucas (Charleana) Bolton, Todd (Michelle) Dovin, Amanda Dovin, Caitlin Bolton, Chandra Hall, Christopher (Kristel) Guenther, Sarah (Ben) Schwab, Megan Crafton, Drew Ireton, Ryleigh (Brandon) Wade; great-grandfather of Micah (Jessa) Bolton-Martin, Tristan Doran, Payton Martin, Joseph Bolton, Miles Bolton, Maggie Bolton, Harrison Schwab, Emily Schwab, Persephone (Mark Ellis) Allee, Jacob McIntyre, Skyla Guenther, Penton Guenther, Everett Wade and Forrest Wade; loved by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Forrest grew up in a large family and was the last of nine Bolton siblings. He was born and raised in Jonesburg, Missouri, and was baptized at the age of 11 at the Jonesburg Christian Church. Forrest is survived by his sister-in-law, Doris Bolton, and brother-in-law, John Mazanec. He is preceded in death his siblings Ruby (George) Ludy, Margie (Harold) Taylor, Dorothy (Marvin) Polston, Byron Bolton, Wilma (Jack) Kemry, Wilford (Bette) Bolton, Jeanette Mazanec, and Leroy Bolton.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1948 – 1952. He worked for over 40 years at McDonnell Douglas until he retired.

Forrest, affectionately known as Dale, was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Carol, with whom he shared 34 wonderful years of marriage. Together they enjoyed camping, spending time with friends, and traveling to places such as Florida and Arizona, as well as visiting Habitat for Humanity and local thrift stores. Dale was known for his straightforward honesty, balanced by a deeply loving nature and devotion to his family and friends. He developed a passion for archery, earning a place in the Archery Hall of Fame and competing in tournaments where he became both a State Champion and Midwest Champion with the St. Louis Bow Hunters. For a time, he owned an archery shop, Dale’s Custom Archery, sharing his knowledge by selling bows and arrows.

A proud Air Force veteran, Dale was also highly skilled at fixing things and enjoyed working on electronics, including TVs, and spent many years as a ham radio operator. He even owned a plane for a period and found joy in flying. In his leisure time, he loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, NASCAR, golf, basketball, bird and weather watching. He was also active in the local flea markets, which he enjoyed with his brother-in-law, John. Dale was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Memorials may be made in Forrest's name to American Heart Association and American Cancer society.