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Tuesday, September 22, 2026
10:30 am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
Robert Melvin “Bobby” Forbes, 79, of Roseland, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1947 in Amite, Louisiana, and was raised in the Amite community by his beloved grandmother.
Bobby was a 1965 graduate of Amite High School. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, quick wit, and genuine love for the people around him. He worked as a supervisor at K&B where the perk was all you could eat ice cream. He was a faithful member of Roseland Baptist Church, where his Christian faith was an important part of his life.
Bobby loved his family deeply, and his greatest pride and joy were his wife, Jane, their daughter, Laura, and their grandchildren. He and Jane built a life together centered around family, hard work, and making memories. After working hard throughout their lives, they enjoyed the opportunity to travel across the United States in their camper, seeing new places and experiencing the country together. Those travels became treasured memories that they shared as husband and wife.In retirement, Bobby and Jane returned home to Roseland, where they enjoyed settling back into the community and reconnecting with old friends.
An avid fisherman, Bobby enjoyed spending time outdoors and never needed much of an excuse to enjoy a day of fishing. He was also a devoted dog lover and had a special fondness for his four-legged companions, Bunny (2008) and Molly (2024). Whether fishing, traveling with Jane, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying the comforts of home, Bobby appreciated the simple things in life.
Above all, Bobby was a Christian whose faith was personal and deeply rooted. He was passionate about studying the Bible and faithfully read it every day. His love for Scripture was an important part of his daily life and his relationship with the Lord. His faith and love for God's Word were a lasting part of the legacy he leaves with his family and friends.
Throughout Bobby’s extended illness, Jane remained faithfully by his side. With love, devotion, and unwavering commitment, she cared for him and walked with him through each season of his illness until his passing. Their nearly 55 years of marriage were a testament to the life they built together and the love they shared.
Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Nancy “Jane” Russell Forbes; his daughter, Laura Ricuard; grandsons, Robert Ricuard (Anna) and Bruce Ricuard, Jr.
He is also survived by his siblings, Alice Mayer (Glenn), Bubba McCrory (Teresa), and Lester McCrory; sisters-in-law, Fairba Cade (Raymond) and Julie Kathy Russell; along with numerous extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish his memory.
Bobby was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruby Burch Forbes; mother-in-law, Juanita Bowman Russell Miller; siblings, Jackie Giroir (Sylvester), Linda Landreneau, John McCrory (Velma), Mary Murray, Nelson McCrory, and Essie Mae Sellers; and brothers-in-law, Lloyd Russell and Roy Russell.
Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 10:30AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Interment Arcola Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
First Baptist Church of Roseland
First Baptist Church of Roseland
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