Lonnie Lamar Fortner was born April 2, 1946, in Monticello, Arkansas. He passed away at the age of 79 on December 3, 2025, in the presence of Carol, his wife of 59 years, and his family after a long illness.
Lonnie graduated from Lovington High School in 1964, where he set a long-standing state record for the long jump. He lived a life marked by service, both to God and his country. In 1966, he married Carol Castleman and moved to Tennessee to begin his military commitment. He served honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, demonstrating courage and commitment in a time of great challenge. After returning home, he pursued higher education. A life-long learner, he earned a Master of Religious Education from Fort Worth Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts from Texas Tech, a Master of Theological Studies from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, and completed studies for a Doctorate of Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Lonnie was a man of deep faith. He answered a higher calling to dedicate his life to ministry. He was an ordained Assemblies of God minister for 47 years, and led churches in Texas and Ohio, ending his ministry at Talco First Assembly of God where he pastored 21 years.
He had a great love for education, and was proud that all four of his children earned college degrees. He served the students of the Kaufman and Mount Pleasant Independent School Districts for over 20 years as a teacher for the visually impaired. He was the Titus County Shared Services Employee of the Year in 2005-2006, and was the Outstanding Visual Impaired teacher for Titus County in 2018, the year he retired. An avid hunter, he enjoyed nature and the outdoors. He went hunting every year with his brothers, sons-in-law, and grandsons. He loved vacationing at Mt. Nebo, Arkansas, where he could sit on the porch and feed the deer.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Edith Fortner, brothers Terry Fortner and Glenn Fortner, sister-in-law Jodie Fortner, and nephew Jerod Fortner. He is survived by his wife Carol and their four children: Karen (Duane) Frazier, Leslie (John) Strahan, Stephanie (Duane) Staggs, and April (John) Slaten, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with another two expected in 2026. He is also survived by his brothers Jimmy (Jean) Fortner, Jerry Fortner, and Kelvin (Lebeth) Fortner, his sister Olivia (Ron) McWilliams, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Ashley Farrow and Heart to Heart Hospice for their kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
