Garry Lee Fortner

Garry Lee Fortner, 80, passed away on September 26, 2026, at his home in North Manchester, Indiana. He was born on July 23, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Frank and Barbara (Beech) Fortner.

Garry built a life marked by hard work, family, and the simple pleasures that brought him happiness over the years. He made his career at Singer Controls in North Manchester, where he worked for more than thirty years before the company closed and he later retired. His long commitment to his work reflected the steady and dependable nature that defined so much of his life.

Garry’s life was also shaped by the people he loved. He married Linda Barnett, and from that marriage they were blessed with three children. He later married Beverlie Sue Prater on June 5, 1985, and she preceded him in death on February 15, 2007. He then married Donna Heininger, who preceded him in death on May 8, 2014.

He will be remembered for the many things that brought him joy. In later years, Garry loved sitting on the front porch on Sunday mornings, listening to country gospel music. Earlier in life, he enjoyed camping at Jellystone Park in Pierceton, where he had a site and spent happy times outdoors. He was a passionate Bears fan who loved watching the team play, and he was also an avid collector of Bears memorabilia and Coca-Cola items. Over the years, he found enjoyment in bowling leagues, vacations to the Smokey Mountains, shooting with his brother at the Izaak Walton League, and attending Cubs games with his son. He also enjoyed settling in to watch crime shows and having his different Cocker Spaniel dogs around throughout the years.

The loving memory of Garry Fortner will be forever cherished by his daughters, Dayna (Rob) McConnell, North Manchester and Jacqueline Eby, Nappanee; brother, David (Hailey) Cordill, North Manchester; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Garry was preceded in death by his father, Frank Fortner; mother, Barbara Cordill; son, John Scott Fortner; brother, Dale “Pete” Cordill; and sister, Donna Ogans.

A private graveside will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw, Indiana, at a later date.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Garry Fortner, memorial contributions may be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

The family of Garry Fortner has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.