Our sympathy is extended to the family of Lewie Paul Fortner
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Lewie Paul Fortner
Funeral services for Lewie Paul Fortner, 87, Tupelo, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19 at the First Baptist Church in Tupelo. Interment will follow at the Byrds Prairie Cemetery in Tupelo.
Paul was born July 24, 1935 in Lula, OK to Thomas Henry Fortner and Loas May Brooks Fortner. He died April 16 in Sulphur surrounded by his family.
He married Dessa Odell Weller on Nov. 27, 1959 in Ada.
After graduating from Lula High School in 1953, he worked at Safeway in Pauls Valley before entering the U. S. Navy on Jan. 18, 1955 where he served until Jan. 17, 1959.
After returning from the Navy, he attended East Central University in Ada, where he earned his Bachelors Degree and later received his Masters Degree in Administration from University of Oklahoma in Norman.
He taught school in Tupelo and in 1978, became superintendent until his retirement in 1987. After retiring from the school, he worked 30 years with his son, Kenny, until his health no longer allowed.
He was very patriotic and always wore a cap with an American Flag. He was a very gracious and thankful person who always looked on the bright side of life. He never complained. Even during his declining health, no matter the circumstances, he never failed to say “thank you”.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, spending time with family and talking to people about his mules and horses. He loved Princess, his poodle. He always enjoyed a cold coke and listening to country music.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, J. W. Fortner, Hal Fortner, Doas Fortner, Joel Fortner and one sister, Gay Fortner.
He is survived by his wife, Dessa, of the home; three children, Kenny Paul Fortner and wife, Norma of Tupelo, Ginger Cornell and husband, Kent of Sulphur, and Alan Fortner and wife Terra of Ada.
He is also survived by nine grandchildren including Jon and Gina Fortner, Zac and Hannah Fortner, Kassi Fortner and Tanner Pouge , all of Tupelo; Kenna and Zac Harrison and Karli Cornell of Sulphur; Kara Cornell of Norman; Ashlyn Fortner, Landon Fortner and Ella Fortner all of Ada.
Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren, Josie, Jaxton, Wesson and Aspen Fortner of Tupelo; Korbyn and Rostyn Harrison and Paycen Cornell of Sulphur; Ketch Pogue, Laynie and Raycen Pogue of Tupelo; one sister Betty Crisp of Tupelo and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and many friends.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jon Fortner, Zac Fortner, Jaxton Fortner, Landon Fortner, Zac Harrison, and David Moses. Honorary pallbearers will be Freddy Cochran, Richard (Boo) Ellis, Kenny Heck, Danny James, Don Weller, Daryl Weller, Tanner Pogue, Charley Griggs and Andrew Griggs.