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Mr. John Lamar Fortenberry, a resident of Bogalusa, La. passed away at Ponchatrain Living Center in Mandeville, La. surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the age of 83.  John was a member of Ben’s Ford Baptist Church and loved serving the Lord in all that he did.  He and his wife, Sherry, would have celebrated their 60 wonderful years of marriage on May 9, 2023.

John led a very active life and next to loving the Lord, he loved all kids, and this is why he and his wife were foster and adoptive parents for many years.  He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserves, and National Guard.  He along with Richard Borde and Kenny Kellis, coached the Little League “Northwest Wildcats” football team for thirteen years.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge 244 serving as past master in 1980.  He was also an ordained Deacon who never forgot a peppermint or two for the kids at church.

John is survived by his wife, Sherry Varnado Fortenberry; sons, August Lamar “Scooter” Fortenberry (Ruthie Lewis), Peter John Fortenberry, Joseph Fortenberry, and Austin Rome; daughters, Kimberly Barkman, Kristy (and his favorite son in law, Ricky) McNabb; his grandchildren, Danny and Matthew Sardone, John “JR” and Jonus McNabb, Erik Dudley Fortenberry, Skylar and Dakota Cox; and his great grandchildren, Destiny, Ryleigh, Lily, Luna, Hailey, and Gianna.  He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles “Dobb” and Vangie Fortenberry.

John was preceded in death by his parents, James “Red” and Gabe Ellen Herring Fortenberry; two sisters and brothers in law, Charlie Mae “Pee Wee” and Harold Reid, Alice Rose and R.C. Newman; and one great granddaughter who was born sleeping, Faith Marie Fortenberry.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. with Masonic Services being held at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 15, 2023, from 10 a.m.. until time for the services at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Caleb  Martin, the Rev. Chad Jenkins, and Bro. Jimmy Byrd officiating the services.  Interment to follow at Ponemah Cemetery with American Legion Magic City Post #24 conducting the Military graveside rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. John’s memory to the youth department at Ben’s Ford Baptist Church or Monroe Street Baptist Church.