John Fornea

Published 11:10 am Thursday, June 21, 2018

John Nolan “Buddy” Fornea Jr., born on April 9, 1949, passed away on June 21, 2018, at his residence in Varnado, at the age of 69.

He was a retired science teacher and coach from both the Washington Parish and Bogalusa City School systems. While at Bogalusa High School, he founded the Bogalusa High School Robotics team with his co-teacher, Tom Pigott, taking them to competitions in Hawaii and Canada. Mr. Buddy was very active in the Magic City American Legion Post #24.  He led their 40 & 8 Voiture to four national color guard championships.

Mr. Buddy is survived by his loving wife, Charlette Warren Fornea of Varnado; his son, Thomas R. “Rusty” (Sharon) Fornea of Pine; his daughter, Cullyn (Floyd) Brooks of Franklinton; his sister, Betty Jo Fornea Bigelow of Varnado; and five grandchildren, Grace Anne Fornea, Abbigale Lee Fornea, Luke Russell Fornea, Bailey Elizabeth Brooks and Taylor Alexandra Brooks.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Lee Byrd Fornea and his brother-in-law, Jerry M. Bigelow.

The services for Mr. Buddy will be in the chapel at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa. There was a visitation on Friday, June 22, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Visitation will continue at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Saturday, June 23, at 9 a.m., and continue until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m. The Rev. Kathy Pfleider will officiate. Burial will follow at the Old Fornea Cemetery. Magic City American Legion Post #24 will present full military honors.

Pallbearers will include Eric Knight, Charles Fornea Jr., Russ Fornea, Wade Fornea, Mike Warren, Perry Talley, Doug Knight and Dave Green. Honorary pallbearers are Keith Corkern, Jimmy Loper and the 40 & 8 Color Guard.

To view and sign the guestbook, visit online www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.