Forrest D. Tevebaugh
The Western News | UPDATED 3 weeks, 2 days AGO
In Loving Memory of Forrest D. Tevebaugh: March 20, 1938 – Oct. 30, 2025
Forrest D. Tevebaugh was born on March 20, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charles and Nellie Tevebaugh.
At just 17, Forrest joined the Army National Guard, and in 1955, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed at the Radar Station in Yaak, Montana, he met and married Mary Swenson in Libby, Montana.
After his honorable service, Forrest chose to discharge from Keesler Air Force Base in 1961 to pursue higher education at the University of Montana. During this time, he worked for Montana Fish and Wildlife, where he became a Game Warden and operated the first motorized patrol boat on Flathead Lake.
Forrest’s adventurous spirit took him around the world as he contracted for the CIA over a span of 20 years. His deep love for biology and nature guided his career as he worked for the states of Montana and Washington on Water Rights Jurisdiction.
Following retirement, Forrest’s entrepreneurial drive led him to establish Possum Trott Traders in Emmett, Idaho, where he continued working for another 28 years before fully retiring. He had a passion for photography and was proud of his collection of antique firearms.
Forrest is survived by his sons, Tim Tevebaugh and Cliff (Donna) Tevebaugh; his daughters, Kari (Tom) Vanderweel, and Dhana (Jeff) Nelson of Libby; and his grandchildren Jana (Mike) LaCelle, Dustin (Kacie) Martell, Brandon (Katie) Martell, Ian Hasslen, Austen Nelson, Lindsey (Clay) Taylor, and Erika (Dillon) West.
He is also survived by many great-grandchildren; nieces Debbie Mendicino and Mari Christine and family; and special friends Mara, Becky, and Scott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Winnie, Mary and Eleanor as well as two beloved daughters, Melissa Tevebaugh and Charlotte Hasslen.
A celebration of Forrest’s life will be held at a later date on Hensley Hill in Yaak, Montana, where his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors will be remembered among family and friends.