Oren Fortney

Oren Curtis Fortney

Oren Curtis Fortney, 88 died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. He was born on May 7, 1924, to Curtis and Edith (Dear) Fortney. He graduated from Novinger High School with the class of 1942. He joined the Air Force in December, 1943, but after attending training in the Air Force Signal Corps, he was transferred to the Army, 71 ^st Division. He landed in Europe on the day the war in Europe ended and served there until returning to the U.S. where he was honorably discharged on May 7, 1946, his 22 ^nd birthday.

He and Fern Gregory were married on January 19, 1947 by Rev. Archie Cooper. To this marriage two children were born, Melvin Curtis and Linda Diane. Fern preceded him in death on March 9, 2001, after over 54 years of marriage. On March 7, 2003, he married Mildred Mack, who survives.

Oren is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mel and Janie; his daughter, Linda; his grandchildren, Ross (Jo) Fortney, Stephanie (Kevin) Kingdon, Carrie (Nick) Mahon, Rachel Gifford, and Erin Gifford; and his great grandchildren, Ashlee, Nick, Lauren, and Jack Fortney.

Also surviving is his sister, Lena Buckingham; nephew, Dwight Buckingham; his step- children, Terry (Lillie) Mack, Carolyn (Roy) Turner, and Cathy (Dennis) Turner; step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, and many other nieces and nephews.

Oren and Fern ran Fortney Standard Service on Franklin Street for many years, until they sold it in 1986. After retiring from “the Station”, Oren worked for bank Midwest as courier and then at George Rae Cancer Treatment Center as lab courier. He was outgoing and friendly and always made many friends wherever he worked. His grandchildren have many fond memories with “Grandpa”. He loved to do crafts and had a passion for a neat yard.

After Fern’s death, he was blessed with a 2 ^nd wonderful wife, with whom he happily spent the last 10 years of his life.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (April 27, 2013) at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Reverend David Strong and Virgil Jones officiating. Burial will be in Park View Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Leon Gregory, Bob Rouse, Terry Mack, Dennis Turner, Roy Turner, and Dwight Buckingham. Honorary bearers will be his grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home

2100 E. Shepherd Ave.

Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

Memorial in memory of Oren are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or Sugar Creek Community Church.