John "Bob" Robert Forester, 85, of Sulphur, Louisiana passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was born to his late parents, John and Florentine Forester on February 18, 1938 in Racine, Wisconsin.
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Patricia "Pat" Fuselier Forester; three children, Jerry Forester (Kayla) of Sulphur, Louisiana, Gail Forester of Grand Lake, Louisiana, and Robert "Bobby" Forester (Sophia) of Savannah, Georgia; sister, Renee' Durham of Cincinnati, Ohio; brothers, Dennis Forester (Nancy) of Ashland, Wisconsin, and Ted Brooks (Carolyn) of Bay Area, California; three granddaughters, Sarah Forester of Savannah, Georgia, Miranda Forester of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Amy Forester Da Silva (Pedro) of Savannah, Georgia; many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends; along with a dear family friend who became like a son to him, James White of Ragley, Louisiana.
Bob is preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Forester from California.
He served 20 years in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam Wartime Veteran, where he was a heavy equipment mechanic. His military service, brought him to many parts of the world, including Guam, Philippines, and Greenland. Bob retired after 18 years from Civil Service and following his retirement, he was self employed as a welder fabricator. He was a craftsman who created metal artwork, built one of a kind unique furniture, tables, lamps, mirrors, crosses, etc.
Bob enjoyed fishing, camping, building model airplanes, and was a true Grill Master and had a passion for cooking. He also enjoyed organic gardening. He was adventurous, detail oriented, and a true patriot who loved his country. A man of integrity, man of few words-very wise, self reliant and independent from a young age.
Bob enlisted in the air force at the age of 17. He was a family man who dearly loved his family, who valued quality time with them. He met the love of his life, Pat while stationed at Chennault Air Force Base in 1958. Their courtship was short, but their love was 65 years long. During those years, life brought them to Alaska, Arkansas, Texas, California, Arizona, and Louisiana.
He attended Victory Worship Center after moving from Hunt, Texas "the hill country" two years ago. Bob was a faithful servant of the Lord since April of 1987, where he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior.
A Celebration of Bob's life will be held at Hixson Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm, with Rev. Larry LaFleur officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm, until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victory's Orphanage, "Janie's Children's Home" or "Victory's Youth building fund". Donations can be sent to the church at 1401 West Napoleon Street, Sulphur, Louisiana, 70663. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com.
