Eugene M. Fortner

Eugene Mitchell Fortner passed away peacefully on September 1, 2015, at home surrounded and supported by his family. He was 89 years old, the last of ten siblings. Born in Plant City on April 5, 1926, he served his country during WW II as an aviation mechanic in the Navy. Following the war, he went on to graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Agriculture and then taught Agriculture to returning veterans under the G.I. Bill.

He married Bobbie Lois Butler, also of Plant City, in 1950. Mr. Fortner resumed his military career in 1953 as an Air Force officer. During the early years of his Air Force career, he began a lifelong association with the Masonic Lodge, eventually becoming a 32° Mason and a Shriner. He served in the Air Force until 1971, traveling with his family to bases as far away as Ankara, Turkey. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Fortner settled in Volusia County, Florida, and resumed his education career, this time teaching agriculture to students at DeLand High School until his final retirement in 1985. After enjoying a productive and fulfilling 30 years of retirement, he and Bobbie celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on August 4, 2015.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Bobbie; son Larry, Larry’s wife, Jayna and their daughters Katherine Annette and Erin Lindsay; daughter Janet and her sons Michael Justin and Nathaniel David; Michael’s wife Melissa and their daughter Brooke Elizabeth; and Nathaniel’s wife Marilyn.

It is often said of Mr. Fortner that he touched and influenced for the better with his faith and integrity many, many lives as a military officer, as a teacher, as an F.F.A. and 4-H Advisor, as a good and true friend, and most importantly, as a husband and father. Knowing Mr. Fortner was a privilege to be treasured, and he will be sorely missed. His family and friends know he is in Heaven now, breathing easily at last, in no more pain, and fishing up a storm.

The Masonic Last Rites will be conducted at 9:45 AM on Saturday, the fifth of September at the Deltona Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery on Saxon Boulevard in Orange City, Florida, followed by the Celebration of Life and interment with full military honors at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Halifax Health Hospice.