Forrest D. Villarrubia

He was the last of 10 children, born in Lacombe on November 20,1925 in his family home, which was one of the oldest homes in the Louisiana Territory. He died of natural causes in New Orleans on July 18, 2026, at 100 years old and eight months.

In his formative years he spent his summers on Bayou Lacombe. He often spoke of his glorious childhood where he spent most of his days in a pirogue on the bayou. A fabulous swimmer and marksman, he would bring home any fish or bird he’d shot to his mother, Corinne, an incredible French cook. He also loved climbing the moss-draped ancient oak in front of the house. There was a huge branch that extended over the street, and he’d sit there, unseen, behind a clump of moss and wait for a funeral to pass. Somewhat of a trickster, he would drop little pebbles and moss on the casket.

Forrest proudly joined the Marines at 17 to fight for his country against fascism in World War II. He was deployed to the Pacific, where his assignment was to climb trees and hook up radios for communication. Once, he heard a bullet race past his ear from “friendly fire.” He always said “With the help of God and a few marines, MacArthur is back in the Philippines”.

He never thought that he would make it home to marry his first and only sweetheart, Audrey, who died in his arms at home after complications from multiple sclerosis. They met when he was 12 and she was 11 on Sherwood Forest Drive in New Orleans, where they both lived. He was her constant companion and caregiver.

Upon graduating from Tulane University, Forrest worked at Maison Blanche on Canal Street and quickly became the store’s youngest buyer. He finished his working years at the Toy Center located on Washington and Jefferson Davis Pkwy, where he was manager and part owner. There, he was loved and known as Mr. V.

After the death of his beloved Audrey, he accrued over 5000 hours volunteering for many years at the World War II Museum, meeting the public and telling stories of his time in the Pacific Theater. When someone would ask for a picture of him, he would say, “After you give me a hug.” They always would.

Forrest is preceded in death by his father and mother, Elvin Joseph Edward Villarrubia and Corinne Castaing Villarrubia; his loving wife, Audrey Levy Villarrubia. He is survived by his cherished daughters Jan Villarrubia, Kay Casey (Byron), and Nancy Bernadas (Louis); four loving grandchildren Rebecca Bernadas Williams (Dave), Jennifer Bernadas Nettles (Daniel), Dr. Christopher D. Bernadas (Rachel) and Forrest Merrell (Nicole); great grandchildren Jackson-Emma Nettles, Bennett Nettles, Anna Marie Nettles, Nathan Bernadas, Grayson Williams, William Nettles, Reid Bernadas, Jace Merrell and Kaden Merrell; Maverick Williams (Katie) and Morgan Williams.

The family would also like to thank all of his many friends, extended family members and care givers, especially nurse Denise Tebbe, who have been so supportive over these past years including his “second” family at the WWII Museum especially Beth Kliebert.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Lake Lawn Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, La. Visitation from 10 AM to 12 noon followed by Mass at 12 with the interment to follow at the mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the World War II Museum.