Gerard “Jerry” Forcier

Gerard (Jerry) Forcier, 82, of Lumberton, Texas died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family after a long struggle with heart failure.  Jerry was born in Bristol, Connecticut on January 1st, 1942, to Gerard A. Forcier and Marie Goulet Forcier.  He was the 1st baby born that year in Bristol, as well as the 1st generation American born to his Canadian immigrant parents.

He grew up in Connecticut, but resided in Beaumont and Lumberton, Texas the majority of his adult life. In his early twenties while serving in the U.S. Army at Camp Elmer in Edison, New Jersey, he asked a pretty girl named Bette if he could share some of her french fries to which she agreed. They were married in November 1962 and remained partners for 63 years. He worked as a route salesman for Rainbo Bread and Hostess Cakes until his retirement. He attended Infant Jesus Catholic Church in Lumberton and was a previous parishioner at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Beaumont for many years.

Jerry was an avid Sports fan. He loved following and watching whatever the sport of the season happened to be. He kept up with all sports especially, the Boston Red Sox, New York Giants, Boston Celtics, and Bruins and all UCONN teams. He knew all the stats and could answer any question about any sport he might be asked.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years Bette Klinehamer Forcier, 3 sons, Robert (Bob) Forcier and wife Karen, Tom Forcier and wife Misty and Chris Forcier and wife Ardyce. He had 8 grandchildren, Whitney Witzleben (Chris), Kayla Blanchette (Logan), Sunni Forcier, Chris Prettyman (Caitlynn), Jeff Prettyman, Belinda Prettyman, Kyle Forcier and Leta Forcier and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves 1 brother 3 sisters and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, Virginia, 22116. The family would especially like to sincerely thank the staff at Altus Hospice, especially Kelci, Courtney, Jamie, and Sue.

A gathering of family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Broussard’s with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.