Jeffrey Edward Fornes

Fornes, Jeffrey Edward
59, of Buckeye, AZ passed away suddenly May 5, 2011. Born the third child of Patricia L. Bieger and John E. Fornes on Jan. 10, 1952 in Lackawanna, NY. With his family, he lived in AZ as an infant, and then moved to Springville, NY until the age of 10. He then moved back to AZ. He graduated from Liberty Elementary School, Buckeye Union High School and attended Glendale Community College on a football scholarship. He served 8 years in the Navy aboard the USS Enterprise and the USS Kitty Hawk as Hull Technician and Non-Nuclear Welder. He crossed the Equator onboard the Kitty Hawk. He was initialed as a "Trusty Shellback" onboard the ships. Upon discharge from the service, he came back to the family farm where he was one of the best welders around. He had earned countless awards for his welding skills in competitive contests. Being the son of a farmer who had extensive farming operations in need of water, Jeffrey learned to drill wells. He was good. Jeff was also an active Boy Scout and a member of FFA. As an athlete, he excelled in football and track; running and throwing the shot put and discus. Jeffrey was a wonderful human being...he was humble, smart, witty, an avid reader and laid back...a great conversationalist...a well driller, a welder, and proudly served our country in the Navy. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a father, a grandfather, a nephew and a friend. He will be greatly missed! Jeff is survived by his beloved daughter, Jessica (16), his sons, Jeffrey (20) and Joseph (19) and grandson, Zayden (6 mos.), his mother Patricia Fornes, Brother, John E. (Shelly) Fornes Jr, Sisters, Suzanne (Terry) Accomazzo-Crouse, Cynthia (Bryan) Benson-Naegeli, Christine (Thomas) Molitor and Bonnie (Troy) Galusha-Steckenrider. Seven nieces, eleven nephews and 27 great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father John Edward Fornes (1991), Brother, John Peter Fornes (1954), Nieces, Amy & Tara Accomazzo (1974 & 1994) and Jacqueline & Suzie Fornes (1987 & 1999). Grandparents, Edward & Ethel Fornes (1969 & 1989) and Edward & Eva Bieger (1973 &. 1979) Funeral Services will be held Wednesday May 11, 2011, 10 AM at St. Henry's Catholic Church, 128 South 3rd St. Buckeye, AZ 85326. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 10045 W. Thomas Rd., Avondale, AZ. Donations can be made to St. Henry's Catholic Church. Please visit www.menkefuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family.