Forrest Eugene Fortner Sr., 89, of Cedar Hill died Dec. 24, 2021, in St. Louis. Mr. Fortner was a retired lineman for the Union Electric Co. who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He enjoyed storytelling, spending time with his family, tinkering in his barn, watching pro wrestling, mowing the lawn and tending to his tomato garden. He was proud of his Kentucky roots. Born April 8, 1932, he was the son of the late Rushia “Irene” (Fugate) and Henry Fortner.
He is preceded in death by his wife: Mary Ellen (Taylor) Fortner.
He is survived by six children: Margaret “Margie” (Delmar “Jay”) Weber of Dittmer, Denise (Vince) Gudines of Dittmer, Forrest (Barb) Fortner Jr. of Eureka, Richard “Ricky” (Mary) Fortner of Dittmer, Randall “Randy” Fortner of Cedar Hill and Gayle (Roger) Coleman of Hillsboro; 12 grandchildren: Jason (Valerie) Weber, Katie (Kevin) Schubel, Jim (Pauline) Weber, Tia (Josh) Welker, Michael (Kelsea) Gudines, Brittnee Coleman, Logan Fortner, Kortnei (Nick) Pilgram, Taylor Coleman, Landon Fortner, Karlee Coleman and Lexia Fortner; 10 great-grandchildren: Karsyn, Colton, Adelynn, Laikyn, Wyatt, Barrett, Maycen, Dallas, Jensen and Spencer; and numerous family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Imogene Bird and Francis Draiemann; and a brother: Raymond Fortner.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, immediately followed by funeral services. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Cedar Hill. Memorials may be made to St. Martin’s United Church of Christ, 7890 Dittmer Ridge Road, in Dittmer. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.