Isaac “Ike” Chapman Fortenberry, age 75, of Baton Rouge, LA, was called home Friday, April 16, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center with family by his side. The world has lost a great husband, father, grandfather “Papa”, brother, uncle and leader.
He was born January 14, 1946 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, the son of the late Joseph Henry, Sr. and Ruby Lee Myers Fortenberry, into a large family. He graduated from Pineville High School where he excelled at football and other activities. He always had an outstretched steady hand to help anyone in need. He generously gave of his time and talents and never would accept anything in return. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family directed his path throughout his lifetime. Many former employees and coworkers remember Ike as having been a role model of integrity and honesty. He was always known for his big heart, kindness, dedication and generosity.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Boudreaux Fortenberry, four brothers: Jeff Edward, Joseph Henry, Jr., William Truett, James Myers and seven sisters: Mary Lucille McDonald, Annie Christine ‘Boots” Campbell, Patricia Anne Emerson, Georgia Lee Williams, Thelma Fortenberry, Clara Bell Saucier and Margaret Geraldine Love.
Those left to cherish his memory include a son, Truett Chapman Fortenberry of Baton Rouge, LA; four grandchildren who also lovingly cherished their Papa: Max Arthur Fortenberry, Emily Diane Fortenberry, Caroline Cochran and Kate Cochran all of Baton Rouge, LA; a sister, Helen Roberta Bullard of Marksville, LA; and a wonderful special friend, Sarah Nell Strother of Pineville, LA. He will also be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He enjoyed life to the fullest. Ike was a true sportsman, enjoying his ability to play the game and being an example of a gracious winner and loser, when need be. His love of hunting and fishing is what many will remember about him. Ike maintained a hunting cabin where he spent many special days with his son, grandchildren and other family and friends. Many of those young men and women remember those times as not just hunting trips, but times when he was teaching valuable life lessons.
But, if you asked Ike, his greatest accomplishment wasn’t his athleticism, or his career; it was being a father, “Papa” and uncle to his family.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Friday, April 23, 2021, beginning at 10:00 AM followed by a Catholic Service at 12:15 PM in the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Interment will follow in Hope Mausoleum, 4841 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119.
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