Howard Kenneth Fortner

He was born December 17, 1937 to Howard B. Fortner and Myrtle B. Gallimore Fortner in Galax, VA.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 ½ years, Rachel W. Fortner in 2025; his parents and his brother Ronald Joseph Fortner.

Survivors include his daughter Cindy Fortner Woods (Rob Woods); his son Greg Fortner (Terri Fortner); two grandchildren, Meredith Woods and Kenny Woods and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ken was a retired Radioman Chief Petty Officer having served in the Navy for 22 ½ years. As a Navy recruit, Ken marched in John F. Kennedy's inaugural parade and served on board a ship in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade around Cuba.

After his military retirement, Ken worked as a teletype repairman for civilian contractors.

Ken loved his family, dogs, fishing, camping , and history. He loved traveling with his wife and going on cruises; going to baseball games and watching them on tv. He helped Rachel with her Mended Hearts duties and activities.

He was a member of McKendree United Methodist Church in Norfolk and often helped with special events and dinners.

A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA. A funeral service will be held at Woodlawn on Monday, June 1 at 12:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Francis Service Dogs: www.saintfrancisdogs.org or a charity of your choice.