Elmer Dean Fortner, son of the late Lonnie and Lydia Mae  Fortner, was born in Piggott, Arkansas on September 4, 1934, and passed away on July 24, 2014, at his home in Bloomfield, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 20 days.

He had lived in Bloomfield most of his life, he was a self employed carpenter, a General Baptist and was a past member of the Eagles.
On April 13, 1953, he was married to Norma J. O'Dell in Essex, Missouri.

Surviving are his wife, Norma J. Fortner of Bloomfield, Missouri; two sons, Larry Fortner of Bloomfield, Jeffery Fortner of Dexter; one daughter, Janet Wilson of Dexter; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Ernest Fortner of Illinois; two sisters, Marie Ellis of Harrisburg, Illinois, Mamie Hesselbine of Oklahoma. Other relatives and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leon and James Fortner.

Friends may visit Sunday, July 27, 2014, after 12:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 27, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter.

Interment with be in the Bloomfield Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at [url_new=www.watkinsfuneralhome.com