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Celebrating the life of

Bernard Irwin Fouke

June 28, 1924 - March 18, 2010

Bernard Irwin Fouke

SAVANNAH – Bernard Irwin Fouke, 85, died Thursday, March 18, 2010.
The Texarkana, Arkansas native was a son of the late Harry P. and Florine Eck Fouke. He was a veteran of the United States Navy during World War II, serving as an ensign aboard a minesweeper.
After the war Mr. Fouke began his career with South Western Electric Power Co. in Texarkana. In 1969 he moved to Fayetteville, AR with SWEPCO and retired as Division Manager of the Northwest Arkansas District of South Western Electric Power in 1990.
He and his wife retired to Savannah in 1994, settling at The Landings on Skidaway Island. An avid golfer, he was a member of The Landings Club. During his lifetime he shot four Holes-in-One.
Mr. Fouke was a communicant of St. James Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and was a former Grand Knight.
He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, Mary Margaret Elsken Fouke.
Surviving are two daughters, Margaret "Peggy" F. Selig of Birmingham, AL and Helen P. Battista of Orange, VA; three sons, Bernard I. Fouke, Jr. of Auckland, New Zealand, Michael A. Fouke of Tulsa, OK, and John C. Fouke of Rolla, MO; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. There will be a Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 26, 2010 at St. James Catholic Church
Burial with full Military Honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, S.C.
The family suggests that remembrances be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15515, Savannah, GA 31416.


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GUEST BOOK

Peggy, I loved the times I got to spend the night with you and your growing family. Remember Mary would have us dust with Pledge on Sat. morn. Your forever friend, Betty

- Betty Dunbar Fabich, Texarkana, AR

My sister Cathy informed me of 'Big' Biff's passing. Mirroring Joe Pondrom's remarks, I was also one of the choirboys under his direction. I remember a man who was a balance of stern, serious, and fun. The old Texarkana gang is scattered to the far ends of the earth and I regret we were not able to be there for the services. I wish you strength in your time of loss.

- Howard Barager, Lake Orion, MI

Patti & I were very saddened to hear of Big Biff's passing. I have very fond memories of times in the Fouke household in Texarkana and especially singing under Big Biff's tutelage one memoralble Christmas at St Edward's church. Peggy, Helen, Lil' Biff, Mike, & John know that your dad is in our prayers.

- Joe Pondrom, Georgetown, TX

My deepest Condolences to all of Biff and Mary’s children and Grand children also! I was fortunate to have a short visit with Biff last year. He was so warm And welcoming and spoke of you all so proudly! I am so glad I made that visit after not seeing your family for many years! My prayers are with you all. Kelen Fouke Prutow

- Kelen Fouke Prutow, Melbourne Beach, FL

I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I will remember all of you in my prayers. Johnie Rhoades

- Johnie Mae Rhoades, Pearland, TX

To All His Children... Your dad always was into giving,in whatever way he felt best to give. At times, he might have felt frustrated to say the leastwhen he couldn't find a good solution to a problem. He often turned to God-- though, as most of us, didn't always listen to the fullest. But he always acted out of love. I shall miss my brother. With love and prayers, Aunt Lee

- Lee Barker, Moraga, CA

To Mike and the other Fouke 'kids', I am so very sorry about the passing of your dad. Your outlook on life really changes after both your parents are gone. You were lucky to have your dad in your lives as long as you did. I will always fondly remember our days with our families growing up at St. Edward's in Texarkana and hearing your dad sing with the choir. He's singing with the angels now. Love and prayers to all. Cathy

- Cathy Barager Garner, Pearland, TX

Oh! My! Biff! You were a real brother! Maybe not by blood, but certainly by heart. You always made us feel so special. And your tech skills were so up to the minute. 'Course, we penciled in your Email, because the ink didn't have a chance to dry before a new one hit the screen. But you explained whatever process caused you to change. I shall miss you. Love, Lee

- Lee Barker, Moraga, CA

Peggy and All, Sorry to hear about your Dad. We are praying for all of you. Love, Michael and Joyce

- Michael and Joyce, North Little Rock, AR

I have many fond memories of Uncle Biff and the family. When I was growing up the 'trade-off' summer family visits were such a fun adventure. I also remember the visit I made to Fayetteville when Andre was born and Uncle Biff rocking him on the deck outside and calling him 'Little Man' so endearingly with such a gentle voice. He is missed and our prayers and love are with all the family. - Fondly, Theresa

- Theresa, Moraga, CA

I knew Biff from singing in the St. James choir with him. He was a very warm, considerate Catholic gentleman. His obvious devotion to his wife was legendary and I believe he never recovered from her passing. I will miss seeing him around The Landings but will remember him as a model for aging with grace and dignity. My condolences to all those he loved.

- Frank Sullivan, Savannah, GA

Mr. Fouke was my boss at Swepco for many years and was very good to me and those he came in contact with. He was a very intelligent man and very caring of his family. He was special. I was sad to hear about his death. My prayers are with his children and their families. I know it is hard to lose a parent. Anita

- Anita Johnson, Springdale, AR, AR

Biff was a member of our singles golf group here at the Landings for over 4 years until it was difficult for him to play. He was a classy guy and a pleasure to be around. He always showed up on time with a smile on his face. Even though his faculties diminished, he still got out there and enjoyed the game. He will be missed. Blessings to all of you who loved him.

- Peggy Hale, Savannah, GA

Peggy and Roman, Our most sincere condoleances for the loss of your father; our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Bernard Gregoire, Toronto, - Other

Biff, Peggy and family: So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember both your parents from the St. Edward's school days. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cynthia Cindy Powell Linck

- Cindy Powell Linck, Shreveport, LA

Very sorry to hear of Biff's death, but happy he lived such a long life and was able to touch so many people. I credit Biff for kick starting my career with SWEPCO.

- Charles Clinehens, Fayetteville, AR

Jen~ You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Kecia & Bill

- Kecia & Bill Gill, Savannah, GA

Peggy, I loved the times I got to spend the night with you and your growing family. Remember Mary would have us dust with Pledge on Sat. morn. Your forever friend, Betty

- Betty Dunbar Fabich, Texarkana, AR

My sister Cathy informed me of 'Big' Biff's passing. Mirroring Joe Pondrom's remarks, I was also one of the choirboys under his direction. I remember a man who was a balance of stern, serious, and fun. The old Texarkana gang is scattered to the far ends of the earth and I regret we were not able to be there for the services. I wish you strength in your time of loss.

- Howard Barager, Lake Orion, MI

Patti & I were very saddened to hear of Big Biff's passing. I have very fond memories of times in the Fouke household in Texarkana and especially singing under Big Biff's tutelage one memoralble Christmas at St Edward's church. Peggy, Helen, Lil' Biff, Mike, & John know that your dad is in our prayers.

- Joe Pondrom, Georgetown, TX

My deepest Condolences to all of Biff and Mary’s children and Grand children also! I was fortunate to have a short visit with Biff last year. He was so warm And welcoming and spoke of you all so proudly! I am so glad I made that visit after not seeing your family for many years! My prayers are with you all. Kelen Fouke Prutow

- Kelen Fouke Prutow, Melbourne Beach, FL

I was so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. I will remember all of you in my prayers. Johnie Rhoades

- Johnie Mae Rhoades, Pearland, TX

To All His Children... Your dad always was into giving,in whatever way he felt best to give. At times, he might have felt frustrated to say the leastwhen he couldn't find a good solution to a problem. He often turned to God-- though, as most of us, didn't always listen to the fullest. But he always acted out of love. I shall miss my brother. With love and prayers, Aunt Lee

- Lee Barker, Moraga, CA

To Mike and the other Fouke 'kids', I am so very sorry about the passing of your dad. Your outlook on life really changes after both your parents are gone. You were lucky to have your dad in your lives as long as you did. I will always fondly remember our days with our families growing up at St. Edward's in Texarkana and hearing your dad sing with the choir. He's singing with the angels now. Love and prayers to all. Cathy

- Cathy Barager Garner, Pearland, TX

Oh! My! Biff! You were a real brother! Maybe not by blood, but certainly by heart. You always made us feel so special. And your tech skills were so up to the minute. 'Course, we penciled in your Email, because the ink didn't have a chance to dry before a new one hit the screen. But you explained whatever process caused you to change. I shall miss you. Love, Lee

- Lee Barker, Moraga, CA

Peggy and All, Sorry to hear about your Dad. We are praying for all of you. Love, Michael and Joyce

- Michael and Joyce, North Little Rock, AR

I have many fond memories of Uncle Biff and the family. When I was growing up the 'trade-off' summer family visits were such a fun adventure. I also remember the visit I made to Fayetteville when Andre was born and Uncle Biff rocking him on the deck outside and calling him 'Little Man' so endearingly with such a gentle voice. He is missed and our prayers and love are with all the family. - Fondly, Theresa

- Theresa, Moraga, CA

I knew Biff from singing in the St. James choir with him. He was a very warm, considerate Catholic gentleman. His obvious devotion to his wife was legendary and I believe he never recovered from her passing. I will miss seeing him around The Landings but will remember him as a model for aging with grace and dignity. My condolences to all those he loved.

- Frank Sullivan, Savannah, GA

Mr. Fouke was my boss at Swepco for many years and was very good to me and those he came in contact with. He was a very intelligent man and very caring of his family. He was special. I was sad to hear about his death. My prayers are with his children and their families. I know it is hard to lose a parent. Anita

- Anita Johnson, Springdale, AR, AR

Biff was a member of our singles golf group here at the Landings for over 4 years until it was difficult for him to play. He was a classy guy and a pleasure to be around. He always showed up on time with a smile on his face. Even though his faculties diminished, he still got out there and enjoyed the game. He will be missed. Blessings to all of you who loved him.

- Peggy Hale, Savannah, GA

Peggy and Roman, Our most sincere condoleances for the loss of your father; our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Bernard Gregoire, Toronto, - Other -

Biff, Peggy and family: So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I remember both your parents from the St. Edward's school days. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Cynthia Cindy Powell Linck

- Cindy Powell Linck, Shreveport, LA

Very sorry to hear of Biff's death, but happy he lived such a long life and was able to touch so many people. I credit Biff for kick starting my career with SWEPCO.

- Charles Clinehens, Fayetteville, AR

Jen~ You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Kecia & Bill

- Kecia & Bill Gill, Savannah, GA

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200