Obituary

Stanley Wayne Fornea 

April 10, 1958 - May 13, 2025

Stan was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana on 10 April 1958.  He departed this life on 13 May 2025 after a long battle with cancer.  He was predeceased in death by his parents, Iddo and Pat Fornea of Bogalusa.  

Stan leaves behind Belinda Tate Fornea, his wife of 43 years and his most faithful, loving, and loyal companion; a son, Benjamin Fornea (Macie), an officer in the US Air Force and his greatest source of pride; a daughter, Brooke Fornea (Kenny Harrington), a Director of Strategic Development for a non-profit and his greatest source of passion from the day she was born; a grandson, Takoda Fornea, his greatest source of hope for the future; and a sister, Monica Boudreaux (Irvin), simply his best friend in the world. 

Stan’s life was committed to the service of God from early in life.  His preparation was extensive.  He graduated with a B.A. from Southeastern Louisiana University, a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Duke University, a Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt University and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Austin College in Texas.  He served in the Baptist church for numerous years, pastoring several churches including First Baptist Church of Cleveland, MS; First Baptist Church of Sherman, TX; and Morrison Heights Baptist Church in Clinton, MS.  However, in 1996 his spiritual journey led him in a difficult direction.  Stan became a Chaplain in the United States Navy, eventually being ordained a deacon and a priest in the Episcopal Church.  He served for over 20 years and retired as a Navy Captain.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq as well as the Defense Superior Service Medal.  He served as the Chaplain to President George W. Bush at the Presidential Retreat at Camp David and completed his last 7 years of military service as the first White House Military Office Chaplain assigned to the White House under President Barack Obama.  Stan retired from the military in 2016 and served for over 7 years as the priest in charge at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, MS.  These years were some of his most rewarding due to the sacrificial love and generous spirit of the parishioners of St. Stephen’s. 

Stan spent his life quietly taking care of others, always looking for ways to lighten the load or lift a spirit.  True to form, he wrote this obituary himself – one final act of kindness to make parting just a little softer.

Graveside ceremonies will take place at Old Fornea Cemetery, on (C. Moses Rd. Angie, LA), on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 11:00a.m.  Military graveside honors will be performed by both the Navy and the Magic City Post #24 of the American Legion. 

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home & Crematory of Bogalusa, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.