Photo courtesy of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home - Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls, Texas
Apr 27, 1948 – Jul 14, 2023
Gerald Patrick (Gary) Fortner, 75, of Wichita Falls passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023.
A Vigil service will be held at 6:00 p.m. followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls. Rite of Committal with military honors will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wichita Falls under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.
Gary was born on April 27, 1948 to the late Donald and Antoinette (Honkomp) Fortner in Wichita Falls. He was a lifetime resident of Wichita Falls. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1966 and attended Midwestern State University and Cooke County Junior College where he said he “majored in playing Spades." Gary proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War at bases in Washington State, Plattsburg, NY, and on Wake Island. In the Air Force he was a security police officer, but also ran the Wake Island radio station as Disc Jockey “Chris Royal”. Also, he became a certified deep-sea diver.
Gary was a welder and pipefitter for most of his adult life but before settling into that part of his career, he worked many different vocations. He often told his son Patrick, “No honest work is beneath you, do what you have to do in order to provide for your family.” He passed his love of country and sports onto Patrick and volunteered with the Boys Clubs of Wichita Falls and the YMCA as a youth sports coach and with Troop 6 as an Assistant Scoutmaster. Gary only missed one game of Patrick’s youth, when he was working out of state during the oil glut.
Many years later, he completed his bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University and worked for a welding production company as safety coordinator. Later, Gary worked as a bus driver for the city of Wichita Falls, and retired as a security guard at Rolling Meadows. He served as a volunteer with several veteran’s organizations as an Honor Guard for veteran funeral services, most recently with American Legion Post 202.
He met Jean Ann Chasteen in 2008, and they married in 2009 and the couple spent many years together before her passing in January 2023.
Along with his parents and wife, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Fortner; and sister, Debi Southerland.
He is survived by his son, Patrick and wife Carrie; grandson D. J. and husband Montana; grandson Daniel; mother-in-law Billie Epps; stepson Justin Chasteen and wife Jessica; and grandchildren Ryan, Caeden, Aubrey, and Emma.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to the American Legion Post 202, 1101 E. Scott Ave 76301.
Read MoreWe became acquainted with Gary thru his morning calls to check on us as a Rolling Meadows security guard. He was such a kind person and we always looked forward to those calls. We shared in his sorrow at the loss of his wife and his joy when he drove to Austin to visit his family. Rest in peace Gary
David Sr and Priscilla Jameson
July 28, 2023 | Wichita Falls, TX | Friend
Single Memorial Tree
Ed and Barbara Eckert
July 19, 2023 | Wichita Falls, TX
I have known Gary since before high school, little league baseball, CYO dances, one of my best friends all through high school, graduated from WFHS together, lived couple blocks apart in early 80's and played cards and dominoes together, lotsa fond memories. Long time, no see, but not forgotten. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends. I'll catch up to ya someday, buddy.
Wayne Litteken
July 19, 2023 | Iowa Park, TX | Friend
Gary was a good friend for many years. He will be greatly missed. May He Rest In Peace.
Cindy Cope Denton
July 19, 2023 | Leander, TX | Friend
I worked with Gary at Burgess Manning. He was one of the best people I have ever known. We talked a lot about the Lord! Sweet Christian man! He will be missed!
Darline Smith
July 18, 2023 | Midwest City, OK
We are so very sad for the loss of Gary!! He was such a sweet and caring man! So very sad we will be out of town during his celebration of life. Prayers for all his family and loved ones!
Leesa and Randy Wachsman
July 18, 2023 | Wichita Falls, TX | Friend
To the family, Gary and I met many years ago from the time spent at the Academy of Mary Immaculate, at the times at the sock hops and just hanging out. He was such a good friend and I have many fond memories. We have laughed at all the things we shared, memories of our school years shared, dances and eating red tacos from Casa Manana. I will miss him so much. I have known him since 1954, know that he was such a good man. Remember all the times big and small that you shared and know that...
Barbara Downes
July 18, 2023 | Haslet, TX | Classmate
The memories of visits from our Texas cousins will always stay in my heart. Gary Pat brought lots of fun and endless teasing about Texas being so much better than Missouri. He just might have been right about that.
Mary (Mareschal) Janes
July 18, 2023 | Plano, TX | Family
PatrickI’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. He was such a big supporter of you and your Leatherneck teammates. He was a special man and a great father. Please remember that grief only happens where deep love already exists. Prayers for you and yours.
David Whitaker
July 17, 2023 | Norman, OK | Friend
