John H. Fortner Sr.'s Obituary
John “Johnny” Hyman Fortner also affectionately known as “Poppy” of Folsom, at the age of 79, entered eternal rest peacefully on Friday evening, September 8, 2023. He was born in Newport, Arkansas on July 1, 1944, to Buddy Lewis Fortner and Thelma Hyman Fortner.
He is survived by his loving wife Ellen Sims Fortner of 59 years, his adoring children Renate Fortner Clopton (Terry), Shannon Fortner Paille (Andre), and John H. Fortner, Jr. “Jay” (Sheree). Poppy was the proud grandfather of Brittany Elise Thompson, Valerie Thompson Leeper (Ryan), John Fortner III “Trey” (Melissa), Christian Jayson Fortner, and Victoria Clopton Trombatore (Nick), and great grandfather of Gregory Leeper, Abigail Leeper, and Annabelle Leeper. He was the caring sibling of Diane Fortner Ruff (Jon), and Carla Fortner Sharp (Kenneth). Johnny will be dearly missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and wonderful lifelong friends.
Johnny was preceded in death by his parents Buddy Fortner and Thelma Fortner. He was also preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Doss.
A native of Newport, and proud resident of Folsom for over 20 years, Johnny graduated from Covington High School, in Covington, Louisiana. He was an outstanding Commercial Diver for Taylor Diving, Brown and Root Diving, Specialty Diving, International Diving, and Veolia Diving for 30+ years. Johnny was devoted to faith and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Covington where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher.
Johnny was a loving and devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time having adventures with his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, water skiing, scuba diving, and hunting. He also had a passion for woodworking. He made cabinets and furniture for many of his family members and friends. Johnny was unique and irreplaceable, well respected and liked, and will be deeply and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. The songs that he sang and the jokes that he told will remain in the many memories of his cherished friends and family until they meet him again.
In lieu of flowers kindly consider, memorial contributions in memory of John “Johnny” Hyman Fortner may be made to First Baptist Church of Covington, 16333 Highway 1085, Covington, LA 70433, https://fbccov.org or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 4196, Monroe LA 71211, https://www.lbch.org.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service at The Chapel at First Baptist Church of Covington, 16054 Murphy Road, Covington, Louisiana, 70433 on Monday, September 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM until service time. Interment will immediately follow services and will take place in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens, 2280 West 21st Ave, Covington, Louisiana, 70433.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home locally owned and operated, (985) 892-9222 has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
The Fortner family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?