Born March 1, 1956, to the late R. Stevens Forest and Vennie Massey Forest, Forest graduated from Tivy High School in Kerrville in 1974 and briefly attended Schreiner College.

He pursued a career in exotic wildlife, earning the nickname “Crocodile Dundee” for his work with unusual animals. He operated Forest Exotics before establishing Stevens Forest Ranch in Dryden, working seven days a week for more than 50 years.

Forest was a member of the Exotic Wildlife Association since 1980, serving on its board of directors from 1985 to 2013 and earning a Hall of Fame Award in 2008.

He also served on the Board of Directors of the Ranchers and Land Owners Association (2004– 2012) and contributed to research projects through Texas A&M AgriLife and the Second Ark Foundation. He presented continuing education seminars at Sul Ross University and Texas A&M University and spoke fluent Spanish.

Forest is survived by daughters Ashly Friederich of Hunt and Haley Lehrmann and husband BB Lehrmann of Hunt; grandson Tyler Hargis and wife Abigail of Dryden; granddaughter Maci Lehrmann; twin sisters Diane Cowden and Jan Forest of Del Rio; niece Kelsa Cowden of Del Rio; and many friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Trenton Friederich.

A graveside service was held Oct. 15, 2025, at Stevens Forest Ranch Private Cemetery. A memorial service is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Mortuary in Del Rio.