Evelyn A. Forst, World War II-era heroine

Evelyn A. Forst, 90, of Milton, died at home with her loving daughter Frances by her side Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013.

Evelyn was born March 9, 1923, in Baltimore, Md. to the late Frank L. and Lulu E. Brooks Megee. At the age of 5 she and her family moved to Delaware and lived on Chestnut Street for many years.

In her early life, Evelyn worked at Draper King Cole, Milton, The Avenue Restaurant, Rehoboth, the Sussex Ordnance Company on Cedar Beach Road in Milford in 1943 making anti-aircraft ammunition (where 40mm shells were being produced), and survived the explosion at the plant where five women lost their lives. She was very brave and saved several lives at the plant, pulling women out, some of whom were on fire, on March 16, 1943. She also worked at Bushey’s Newsstand, Milton, while being a mother and housewife, and enjoying every minute of it.

Also during World War II, Evelyn was a civil defense volunteer plane spotter in Ellendale. With a pair of field glasses and a small book for plane identification she would head to her station in an open field and climb a wooden tower. In those days, an airplane was not as common a sight as today. Each sighting would be logged and called into a central headquarters.

She enjoyed listening to country music, reading, gardening, and spending time with family and friends. In her younger years, she enjoyed square dancing and having a good time. When she was a teenager she and several friends would jump the box cars at Draper King Cole.

She was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Broadkiln Post 6984 in Milton, and the Georgetown-Ellendale VFW Post 2931 in Ellendale. She was a member of the Milton American Legion Post 20 in Milton, holding the position of vice president. She was also a member of Goshen Methodist Church, Milton, where she was a circle leader for many years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only son, David W. Forst (1952); spouse, William J. Forst (1985); sisters, Marie M. Caramalis (2004) and Edith Ellingsworth (2006); and brother, Herman Franklin Megee (2009).

She will truly be missed and is survived by her loving daughter and caregiver, Frances F. Burnham and friend John of Seaford; sister, Winifred M. Parkhill; and brother, John Megee of Milton. She is also survived by her good friends, Connie White (Roy) of Ellendale and Gladys Wilkins of Milton; a special niece, Marie Thoroughgood of Baltimore; a special nephew, Alan Ellingsworth of Georgetown; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family, some of whom live in Virginia (Reds and Nancy Burruss).

At Evelyn’s request a graveside service and interment will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Union St., Milton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in Evelyn’s memory to VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, 100 Commerce Drive, Suite 302, Newark, DE 19713, or to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, 801 Middleford Road, Fifth Floor, Seaford, DE 19973.

Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton.