Paul “Doug” Forsythe

Age 74 of Wilmington, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, Illinois.

Born April 30, 1952 in Joliet, Illinois, Paul Douglas was a son of Norris and Mabry Laura (Jones) Forsythe. He was raised in Wilmington, and attended Wilmington High School.

Doug developed a strong work ethic early in life, beginning work on a farm at just six years old. His first job outside of farming was at the paper mill in Wilmington, and he later became a member of Laborers Local #75. He spent many years working at Mobil before retiring. Over the years, Doug also worked alongside his former father-in-law at Hale’s Septic Tanks and was a familiar face behind the bar at The Rustic in Wilmington, where he bartended for many years.

A true outdoorsman, Doug enjoyed hunting, fishing, and searching for morel mushrooms whenever the season came around. He loved living along the river, spending time on his boat, and riding his motorcycle. He looked forward to Catfish Days each year and was rarely one to sit still.

Doug was an old-school kind of guy who spoke his mind and was honest to a fault. Stubborn at times, quick with sarcasm, and always ready with a joke, he had a personality all his own. Those who knew Doug knew exactly where they stood with him. Above all, he took great pride in his daughter and especially enjoyed being Papa to his grandchildren.

In addition to his longtime membership with Laborers Local #75, Doug was a member of the South Wilmington Sportsmen’s Club and the Wilmington Moose Lodge.

Survivors include his daughter, Michele Forsythe (Tom Sanford) of Wilmington; son, Curtis (Christy) Forsythe of South Carolina; (8) grandchildren, including: Kirstyn (Chris) Homerding, Kaitlyn McKim (fiance’ – Jesse Cox), Keegan Forsythe, Chloe Sanford (Nick Gornik) and Nick Sanford (Rylee Kettmann), all of Wilmington; great grandchildren: Ansley Cox and Colsen Homerding; siblings: Norris Forsythe, Jr. of Dickson, Tennessee, Helen Hartman of Diamond, Illinois, Kathy (Steve) Gardner of Branson, Missouri, and Rick (Becci) Forsythe of Saunemin, Illinois, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his former wife and best friend, Connie Forsythe of Wilmington.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy (Clarence) Dawson; brother, Bobby Forsythe; brother-in-law, Jerry Hartman, and two nephews: Jason Forsythe and Brian Hartman.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service, 1:30 p.m.

Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

Pallbearers will be: Tom Sanford, Keegan Forsythe, Chris Homerding, Jesse Cox, Clark Allen and Nick Sanford.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Doug’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)