Larry Kenneth "Ken" Fortenberry, 41, of Alexandria, LA, the special needs son of Larry and Janice Fortenberry of Hattiesburg, MS, died Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Merit Health Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg.

A celebration of Ken's life will be Friday, February 9, 2024, at Hartman-Jones Funeral Home, 1801 Delaware Avenue, McComb, MS. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until services at 11:30 in the chapel. Dr. Gerald Scott "Guy" Burke III of Indianola, MS, and Dr. Larry LeBlanc of Summit will officiate. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery.

Ken was born December 27, 1982, in Meridian, MS. He was a resident of St. Mary's Residential School in Alexandria.

Ken was preceded in death by an infant sister; his paternal grandparents, the late Noel and Emmer Gene Fortenberry; and his maternal grandparents, the late Kenneth and Lenore "Pud" Grubbs Harvey. He is survived by his parents and his sister, Lindsay Fortenberry Burke; brother-in-law, Dr. Guy Burke; nieces, Addison Leigh, and Bessie Lenore Burke; and his nephew, Evan Scott Burke, all of Indianola; and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ken faced many challenges during his lifetime, particularly the loss of his vision because of years of self-injurious behavior. He was also nonverbal. Despite these and other limitations, Ken was a happy young man who loved others unconditionally. His mother, who is a McComb native, said that Ken lacked the ability to fret about yesterday or to worry about tomorrow.

Instead, she said, Ken lived in an eternal present and was content if his basic needs were met. "Ken was not born to learn, but he was born to teach. And he taught us so much about what is important in life and how to rely on God's faithfulness for guidance. Our son was truly a blessing to our family and to his many friends," Janice added.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Joseph Hospice - The Carpenter House, 8950 E. Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71115, or to St. Mary's Residential School, 6715 Hwy 1 North, Boyce, LA, 71409.

Following the service, friends, family, and out-of-town guests are cordially invited to join the Fortenberry family for a meal at 1 p.m. in the Christian Life Center of First Baptist Church Summit, 1108 Robb St., Summit, MS.