Charles Eugene Forque

PSHS Symphonic and Marching Bands were unbeatable while you taught us, Mr. Forque. I had the honor of having you as Director from 1988-1990. Great memories!! You made us feel like we were so important. So special. And, you instilled in us a love of working hard and pushing ourselves to become the best that we can be. THANK YOU!! God bless your family. I know they must miss you so much.

So sorry for the Forque family's loss. I did not have the priviledge of his tuteladge, but was friends with many that did. And was mighty proud to attend REL when he led the band. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

December 30, 2005

Dear REL Band family,

I was very sad that I was unable to attend the funeral of the great man who gave his heart for our success in life – to give thankful respect, to hear the great tributes, and to share in a special reunion.

But I am happy to let you know how much Mr. Forque helped me in life, and that I was able to tell him that in person when I got to see him 10 years ago.

When I was depressed because I could no longer play the trombone due...

Dear Cheryl & Family,

I was so sadden to hear of your loss. Not a day goes by that I don't think back of the good old days as a proud member of "The Famous Robert E Lee Band”. To this day, I have never seen any high school band come close to obtaining the perfection as we did under his leadership. I remember so fondly the sound of the Drum Major’s whistle and remember how nervous but at the same time so extremely proud I felt to be a part of such a great legacy. When I have...

Charles Forque had known me since I was a small child, when he played golf with my dad together with a well-known Baytown citizen, Doc Satterwhite. When I signed up for band at Horace Mann Jr. School in Baytown for sixth grade, I quickly figured out that it was going to be my niche and that one day this man who seemed bigger than life was going to be my teacher.

I sold soft drinks at the Robert E. Lee football games in Baytown during my middle school years, but the customers...

I had the privelege of being a member of the "Famous Robert E. Lee Band" from 1968-1969. I was Charles' band president in 1969. Charles and my family go back a long ways. He and my mother went to high school together, were lab partners in chemistry class, and were in the Lee Band together while in high school. He dated by mom's first cousin while in high school. Charles and his wonderful wife Edna Jo were like second parents to me while going through high school. I not only had the great...

Well, Mr. Forque, now we know where you are, and where you have been for the past 30 years. I am so saddened by your passing, and yet, rejoice in knowing you are okay. You were my neighbor, my friend, my director...and my ride to school before I could drive. You were loved, and feared, and amazingly, only 40 yrs. old when I was a senior in the 1970 "Famous REL Band." You were a no nonsense director, and expected perfection from your students...and you got it. Thank you for pushing us harder...

What a man, and what a difference he made in the Plano Band program! I was in his band from 1981 through 1983, as a bassoonist and in the flag corps. I loved music already, but Mr. Forque made me love it even more. He pushed us to do our best and it showed, both on the marching field and on the stage. I remember band trips to Port Aransas, concerts and picnics with Doc, and the friendships I developed though the band with Mr. Forque at the helm. As I now teach high school I find myself...