Emile Jon Fournet

Emile Jon Fournet, known affectionately to many as "Big E", passed away on March 15, 2026, at the age of 88. A lifelong Louisianian, he was born on January 10, 1938, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, to the late Emile Jon Fournet and Gladys Johnston Fournet. Emile grew up in Bogalusa and was a proud graduate of Bogalusa High School. He was approached by the Detroit Tigers as a potential catcher in High School, but he declined that opportunity in preference of playing football for Louisiana State University. At LSU, he became a member of the celebrated 1958 LSU National Champion Football Team, originally as a member of LSU's legendary "Chinese Bandits" defensive unit during the national championship season. He was subsequently promoted to the starting "White Team" (first-team offensive/defensive unit) for the 1959 season, where he served as a left guard, an accomplishment that remained a source of great pride throughout his life. After his time at LSU, Emile built a long and varied career, beginning with American Bank, where he worked from approximately 1960 until 1977. He went on to work at Dunaway Realty and later as an auditor at Midsouth Transportation before his retirement. Beyond his professional life, Emile was a man of competitive passions. He was a lover of playing golf and softball as a young man, and previously an owner of quarter horses, thoroughbreds, and for a time, greyhounds, pursuits that reflected his love of competition. He was always warm and approachable, ever ready to strike up a conversation about football, golf, or "old times." Those who knew him understood that time spent with Big E meant good stories, easy laughter, and genuine warmth. Emile is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice D’amico Fournet of Baton Rouge; his daughter, Michelle Fournet Faxon; his sons, Brian "Chad" Fournet, Michael D'amico, and Frank D'amico; his sisters, Sybil Cashe, Marjorie Fournet Seals and Brenda Fournet and numerous grandchildren, including Justin Fournet, Kelly Boles Throckmorton, Nicholas "Nick" Fournet, Blake Borskey, Jaci Fournet Sibley, Kevin Fournet, Brandy D'amico Rivet, Michael D'amico, Travis D'amico, Trent D'amico, 25 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Richard "Ricky" Emile Fournet; his brothers, Sidney Fournet Sr and Daniel Fournet; and his sister, Dorothy Fournet Burcham. Emile's faith was a quiet but steady presence in his life, and his family finds comfort in knowing he rests now in the peace of the Lord. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 11000 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with the memorial service from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.