Gerald Glen Fortner

IN MEMORY OF: Gerald Glen Fortner Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Gerald Glen Fortner, 72, of Cape Girardeau, passed away Thursday October 12, 2023, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau with his daughter (Casey), grandson (Collyn) and friends David and Holly La Rose at his side. He was born February 5, 1951, in Eupora, Mississippi to William “Red” and Grizilla (Paris) Fortner. Gerald graduated from Eupora High School in 1969 and attended a local college for two years. He was one of the most noted graduates and town citizens. He left his heart and soul in Eupora. He went to work at Hunter Engineering installing alignment racks in businesses for the next 20 years. He moved to Cape Girardeau in 1982. In 1998, he began a successful career in specialty interior carpentry. He was known by many and loved by all who knew him. Gerald was a man of integrity and honesty. He was a man who would tell you of his beliefs regarding many subjects including politics. Gerald was known for his creation of miniature buildings such as Graceland, Elvis’s birth home, Animal House, his family’s service station in Eupora, many local businesses in Eupora, the Cape Girardeau Public Library and many others. He could create miniature tillers, lawnmowers, weed eaters and lawnmowers as if they were the real thing. He had a skill, talent, and patience unknown to any man. Gerald was also a proud friend of Bill W. for 22 years. He is survived by daughter Casey Rouggly of Cape Girardeau, grandson Collyn (Haylee) Rouggly of Cape Girardeau and one niece Denise and one nephew Ryan Fortner. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William “Bill” Fortner. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caregivers at Life Care Center and in particular Cari Grant, a special nurse. A celebration of life service will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, October 21 at the VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau with snacks provided. Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is handling the arrangements. Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Gerald Fortner Memorial Fund of Eupora, MS by mailing a check payable to the EHS Alumni Association, P.O. Box 473, Eupora, MS. 39744 with a note in the memo line it is for Gerald.

Gerald Glen Fortner

February 5, 1951 - October 12, 2023