Calvin Coolidge Fortson

Calvin Coolidge Fortson, Sr. was born to Claude and Joyce Palmer Fortson on March 25, 1927 in Kilgore, Texas in Gregg County.  He was the fifth of eight children and the eldest son.

He was raised in Kilgore, Texas and received his education at West Point School.  He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and became a member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Kilgore Texas.

As the eldest son, Calvin was devoted and proud to help his father and mother provide for his sisters and brothers and oversee the farm which he loved.  Calvin was employed by Kilgore College where he retired after 30 years of service.  During his tenure he was well respected and beloved and later inducted into the Kilgore College Hall of Fame.  He was also a United States Army veteran.

Upon his return from the Army, he united in marriage to Katherine Yvonne Sibley Fortson in 1947. To that union five children were born:  Ina Marie, Calvin Jr., Carl Ray, Joyce, and Faye.

He entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 10, 2019 and was preceded in death by his parents, wife - Katherine Sibley Fortson, daughter - Ina Marie Elder; four sisters – Marion Fortson Strong, Beadie Penecost, Jessie Marie Warren and Ina Bell Fortson and two brothers: Jeremiah Fortson and C.D. Fortson, Sr.

Calvin leaves a legacy of wisdom, pride, strength and love for his family to follow and cherish.  He leaves to mourn his passing, to cherish his memories and uphold his legacy, four children – Calvin Fortson, Sr. (Rose) of Palestine, TX; Carl Ray Fortson (Shirley) of Kilgore, TX; Joyce Fortson Johnson of Tyler, TX and Faye Fortson Johnson (Larry) of Arlington, TX; one brother – Bobby E. Fortson (Lora) of Kilgore, TX; one brother in law – Tom Sibley of Las Vegas, NV; four sister in laws – Maxine Fortson of Kilgore, TX; Vivian Boyce of Atlanta, GA; Velma Mitchell of Dallas, TX; Juanita Sibley of Fort Worth, TX; fourteen grandchildren, thirty-four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

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