Frank Forneris

Funeral services for Frank Lee Forneris, a Coalgate resident, will be held Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Brown’s Funeral Chapel in Coalgate with Pastor David Unsell officiating. Burial will be in Coalgate Cemetery with Brown’s Funeral Service of Coalgate in charge of arrangements. Family night will be Wednesday, September 18, 2024 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Frank was born November 11, 1942 to Frank and Beatrice (Cornelius) Forneris at Coalgate and passed away September 15, 2024 at McAlester at the age of 81 years, 10 months and 4 days. Frank graduated from Coalgate High School in the Class of 1960. He married Ruth Imogene Couch on August 22, 1966 at Winterhaven, California. They celebrated 54 years together before her passing on March 26, 2020.

Frank entered the U. S. Navy in June of 1960 and served his country until he retired in 1984. Most of his Navy career was spent on submarines where he would travel to many countries such as the Philippines, Japan, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia and Korea. The family mostly lived in Honolulu, Hawaii and California while he was in the Navy.

After he retired, he came back home to Coalgate where he started his registered black Simmental herd. He enjoyed his farm and he especially loved having his trusty border collie, Sugar, by his side.

Survivors include his children, Debbie and Ernie Fanning, Theresa Forneris, all of Coalgate and Frank, Jr. and Jeannine Forneris of Ada, OK; grandchildren, Roland and Beverly Fanning of Clarksville, TN, Krystal and David Street, Amber Fanning, Kacey and Shaun Sijer, Kassidy Beck and significant other Travis Bourland, all of Coalgate, Nolan and Macee Fanning of Clarksville, TN, and Alysanne Kate Forneris of Oklahoma City, OK; greatgrandchildren, Emery and Eastyn Fanning of Clarksville, TN, Atty Fanning of Coalgate, Kessler Fanning of Clarksville, TN, Christian Magers and Landon Street, Braislin and Draxton Ely, Kadence and and Kensley George, all of Coalgate; brothers, John Ray Forneris of Prague, OK and Benny Forneris of Orange Grove, TX; special grandson, Clint Mowdy; farm family, James Mowdy, Dianna Garside and Matt Hooe; along with nieces, nephews, cousins and dearly loved friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene Forneris; parents, Frank and Beatrice Forneris; brother, Frank David Forneris; and sister, Paula Ennis.

Casketbearers will be Ernie Fanning, DJ Street, Ronald Fanning, Nolan Fanning, Shaun Sijer, and Clint Mowdy. Honorary bearers will be James Mowdy, Katy Porter, Dianna Garside, Christian Magers, Braislin Ely, Landon Street ad Matt Hooe.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ernest Paul Fanning Scholarship Fund at Coalgate Schools is appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: brownsfscoalgate@sbcglobal.net. Please reference the name of the deceased in your corrrespondence.