In Memory Of
Kenneth L. Fortney
1931
2023
Kenneth L. Fortney
September 14, 1931 — October 13, 2023
Noble. Family Oriented. Proud. These words earnestly encapsulate the fulfilling life of Kenneth L. "Kenny" Fortney, 92, who passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023. After a short illness, Kenny chose to spend his final days in the comfort of his favorite chair, watching out his window, surrounded by his cherished family.
Kenny was born September 14, 1931 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was the first to tell you that life wasn't easy in "the hills of West Virginia", but you didn't have to know much about Kenny to know that never got the upper hand on him. Alongside his unyielding devotion to his family came his honorable service to his country. Kenny served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955, achieving the rank of Fireman (FN), and markedly participating in Operation Ivy, aboard the USS Curtiss, in the South Pacific/ Marshall Islands.
He finished his service at the shipyards in Philadelphia, where he met his beloved wife of 63 years, Wilma, who unfortunately preceded him in death. Later, they moved to Akron where he achieved his proudest rank- "dad"- to his treasured daughter, Linda. His professional career consisted of various jobs in the electrical field, yet he was a very skilled woodworker and loved to golf with friends and family. He was a proud member of the Scottish Rite of Akron and Clarksburg Lodge No. 155 as a 32-degree Mason. These are all marked achievements, but his greatest joy was unquestionably his family, and the ways he influenced them are innumerable.
Kenny will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his daughter Linda (Eric) Williams; grandchildren, Julie (Jason) Ball and Scott (Ashley) Williams; great-grandsons, Eric, Evan, Kato, and baby Jonah due to arrive in a few weeks. His grandchildren and great-grandsons will miss their Pop Ken immensely. His legacy also remains through his sisters Evelyn and Violet; brother-in-law, Bob, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be calling hours. Final interment, with full military honors, will occur privately at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, in Rittman, Ohio, at a later date. As a final testament of his service to his country and others, memorials can be made in his name to "The Harry Donovan Jr. Valor Home" of Summit County- 1121 Exeter Rd. Akron, OH 44306, a transitional housing program that supports local veterans.
Anchors Aweigh
To share a memory of Kenny or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Kenny was born September 14, 1931 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. He was the first to tell you that life wasn't easy in "the hills of West Virginia", but you didn't have to know much about Kenny to know that never got the upper hand on him. Alongside his unyielding devotion to his family came his honorable service to his country. Kenny served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955, achieving the rank of Fireman (FN), and markedly participating in Operation Ivy, aboard the USS Curtiss, in the South Pacific/ Marshall Islands.
He finished his service at the shipyards in Philadelphia, where he met his beloved wife of 63 years, Wilma, who unfortunately preceded him in death. Later, they moved to Akron where he achieved his proudest rank- "dad"- to his treasured daughter, Linda. His professional career consisted of various jobs in the electrical field, yet he was a very skilled woodworker and loved to golf with friends and family. He was a proud member of the Scottish Rite of Akron and Clarksburg Lodge No. 155 as a 32-degree Mason. These are all marked achievements, but his greatest joy was unquestionably his family, and the ways he influenced them are innumerable.
Kenny will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his daughter Linda (Eric) Williams; grandchildren, Julie (Jason) Ball and Scott (Ashley) Williams; great-grandsons, Eric, Evan, Kato, and baby Jonah due to arrive in a few weeks. His grandchildren and great-grandsons will miss their Pop Ken immensely. His legacy also remains through his sisters Evelyn and Violet; brother-in-law, Bob, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will not be calling hours. Final interment, with full military honors, will occur privately at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, in Rittman, Ohio, at a later date. As a final testament of his service to his country and others, memorials can be made in his name to "The Harry Donovan Jr. Valor Home" of Summit County- 1121 Exeter Rd. Akron, OH 44306, a transitional housing program that supports local veterans.
Anchors Aweigh
To share a memory of Kenny or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth L. Fortney, please visit our flower store.
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