Dale Forest, a former Warrenton alderman and community leader, lost his battle with cancer Nov. 4. He was 85.Forest served as alderman for nine years. He also previously served as director of Mark Twain Lake and Cannon Dam Development Association, director for Agricultural Resource Development Corp., president of the Warren County Fine Arts Council, president of Warren County Facilities Authority, president of Warren Rotary Club, director of the Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce and a board member for Cross Roads Regional Hospital.His friends in Warrenton remember him as someone who reached out to newcomers and worked to bring people together for the good of the community.His friend, Jim Ledbetter said, “He was one of the first people to reach out to me (in 1991) and he was an ambassador for Warrenton.”Forest was born March 12, 1931, in Lexington, Neb., and grew up on a cattle ranch. He attended the University of Nebraska and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.He retired after a 42-year career in banking. For half of that time, he was president of banks in Missouri and Colorado. He joined First Bank in Dutzow in the late 1980s and then he came to Warrenton when he served as president of First Bank in Warrenton in the 1990s.“He cared about Warrenton, he cared about his customers at the bank,” said June Holt, who was a loan officer at First Bank while Forest served as president there.Holt remembered how Forest shared produce from his garden and made beautiful art as a woodworker. She also described him as a hard worker.“He had a genuine knowledge and willingness to get the job done,” Holt said. “He was very willing to help out.”His hobbies included flying, woodworking, metal sculpture, painting, golf and spending time with his family.Several years ago, he and his wife moved from Warrenton to Texas to be closer to family.Forest is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virgene Forest, son Brad Forest (and wife Mary), daughter Karen Ellsworth, grandchildren Scott Ellsworth (and wife Hayley), Brett Ellsworth, Alexandra Rosner (and husband Matt), Jonathan Forest and great-grandchildren Blake and Ethan Ellsworth, and Derek Rosner.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.A memorial celebration was held Nov. 19 at Fellowship United Methodist Church in Trophy Club, Texas.Dale Forest