Wendell Fortney

Mr. Wendell Fortney, 87, of Waco, Kentucky, passed away Monday evening, September 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving and caring family.

Wendell was born in Richmond, Kentucky on March 20, 1938. He was the son of the late Reed and Leah Johnson Fortney. Wendell was a 1957 graduate of Madison Central High School. He joined the Kentucky National Guard and served with them for over four years, something that he was very proud of. In 1961 he married the love of his life Doris Jean Cole. Together they worked to provide for their family. His career pathway led in many different directions through the years. For a period of time he worked for Square D Company in Lexington. In 1966 they moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where Wendell went to work for the L&N Railroad as a brakeman, eventually becoming an engineer.

Moving back to Madison County, he taught at Montgomery County High School. In 1974 he started Fortney Electric in Richmond eventually becoming an electrical inspector. From that he formed CKI-Central Kentucky Inspection, a job that he dearly loved. He continued to work up until the age of 84. Through the years Wendell also had a passion for farming and loving and caring for animals, especially his dogs. He also owned and operated Estill Farm Supply in Irvine. Wendell was of the Baptist Faith and was a Kentucky Colonel.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Doris; and two grandchildren: Carter Alan Fortney and Janie Elizabeth Charles.

Survivors include three children: Wendell Reed Fortney (Kristy), Nerissa Anne Gregoire (Rene) and Mechelle Renee Bryant (George); seven grandchildren: Morgan Reed Fortney, Tiffany Lauren Huff (Daniel), Clinton Wayne Fortney (Carrie), Natalie Anne McAninch, Catherine Blaine McAninch, Megan Paige Winkler (Jon) and Jeanna Faye Fortney (Braxton) as well as eight great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Dale Fortney (Charlotte).

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 13, 2025, at The First Baptist Church of Irvine Kentucky with Rev. George Tribble Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in the Flatwoods Cemetery at Waco, Kentucky.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the church, which is located at 351 Broadway in Irvine. All floral deliveries should be taken to the church.

Pallbearers are Jarrod Lee Green, Brenton Kyle Hall, Ronnie Smith, Harold Kenton Botner, Beatle Lisle and Lester Darren Cole.

The family has asked that Honorary Pallbearers be any electrical contractors that Wendell has done inspections for.

The Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home West Main Street, Richmond is in charge of the arrangements.

www.cpcfh.com