Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Jack Allen Fortenberry, 88, of Midfield, Texas formerly of Houston, Texas went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 16, 2024. He was born March 10, 1935, in Alief, Texas to the late Louis Ervin Fortenberry and Ida Fay Rodden Fortenberry. He grew up in Old Ocean, Texas and attended primary and secondary schools in Sweeny, Texas.

Jack served his country in the Korean war and was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He joined the Houston Police department in 1958, retiring in January of 1983 to join the Matagorda County Sheriff department. He left the Matagorda County Sheriff department in 1992 and briefly worked for the Fayette County Sheriff department before returning to Bay City to help start the Bay City ISD police department. He spent a total of 43 years in law enforcement.

Jack was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Bay City, Texas, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He had many hobbies including fishing, wood carving, drawing, and spending time with his friends and family. He was a man of many talents and in his younger years he built and repaired cars, roofed his homes and built many things including a pontoon boat and a workshop. Jack had a kind and gentle demeanor. He loved all people and made friends in the many communities he served in.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Fortenberry.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lila Marie Thomas Fortenberry; daughter Donna Marie Lester (Keith); sons Bobby Rhey Fortenberry (Marylyn "Marie") and James Fortenberry (Estrella); brothers Lewis E. Fortenberry and Clayton F. Fortenberry; grandchildren Matthew Allyn Lester (Andreea), Nathan Arlyn Lester (Jill), Micah Allen Fortenberry and Merrett James Fortenberry, great grandchildren Jackson Lester, Abigail Lester, and Maximilian Lester and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church.  Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM with Rev. Lane Par Due officiating.  Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery. The pallbearers will be Matthew Lester, Nathan Lester, Micah Fortenberry, Merrett Fortenberry, Joe Fortenberry and Keith Lester.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the charity of your choice.