BRUCE EARON FORTNER, 74, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday evening, June 27, 2009 at the Kansas Medical Center in Andover, Kansas, and went home to be with his blessed Lord.

Born on March 14, 1935 in Wichita, Kansas, he was the son of Earon Dorsey and Mabel (Fravel) Fortner. He was raised and educated in Wichita. Bruce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 19, 1953. He received an honorable discharge on June 16, 1953 because of a non-related injury.

He was united in marriage in 1954 to Helen Sellers. To this union, a son, Dean was born. The couple later divorced.

Bruce moved to Winfield in 1956 and worked for Winfield Plumbing and washed cars for Buzz Jenkin Mercury Dealership. He later worked for Singer Sewing Machine Company selling sewing machines.

In 1957, Bruce began employment for the City of Winfield and worked in the refuse department. Bruce met Beverly Jo Bradford at the Winfield Skating Rink and the couple was united in marriage on November 28, 1957 in Winfield. Two sons were born from that everlasting marriage, Donald Bruce and Terry Gene Fortner.

In 1964, he was transferred to the Winfield Waste Water Treatment Plant and later became plant superintendent. Bruce retired in 1993 following 35 years of service. He had owned and operated D & F Sewer Septic Tank and Porta John Business for 25 years until failing health forced him to quit.

In earlier years, he attended the First Church of the Nazarene and was involved in the bus ministry. He later became a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. Bruce was a cub scout leader, Webloe's leader and for a short time was a boy scout leader for Pack 318 at the Grace United Methodist Church. He enjoyed making Christmas wood crafts. Bruce also loved his dogs, Freckles, who passed away in March, Cletus, and Snowball, who was adopted at the Humane Society.

His family includes
His wife: Beverly of the home;
His sons: Donald Fortner and wife Crystal of Wichita, KS; and Terry Fortner and wife Mary Ann of Winfield, KS;
His sister: Patricia Lee Jones of Bella Vista, ARK;
His granddaughter: Samantha Fortner of Oxford, KS; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dean Gardner; and his stepdad, Jim Gardner.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, July 3, 2009 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Winfield. Inurnment and military committal honors will follow at Highland Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.