OBITUARY

William Hiram Fortner of Union, MO departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, having reached the age of ninety years, two months and twenty-one days. William was born in Clinton, KY on May 18, 1936, son of Harry Otto Fortner, Christine Fortner nee Abell and Zula Fortner nee Towell. On July 18, 1958 he was united in marriage to Hilda Annette Padgett and three children came to bless this union.

William is survived by his wife, Hilda Fortner of Union, MO; by his children, Laura Marrocco and husband, Tony, of St. Clair, MO, William “Keith” Fortner and spouse, Laura Jean Ramey, of Union, MO and Kevin Fortner of St. Clair, MO; by five grandchildren, Jackie Eichhorn and husband, Steve, Tony Marrocco, II and wife, Tonya, Katrina Fortner, Ryan Marrocco and Sarah Jones; by two sisters-in-law, Linda Faulkner and husband, Martin, of Decatur, AL and Vicky Vernon and husband, Tom, of St. Clair, MO; and by seventeen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Christine Fortner, Harry Fortner and Zula Fortner; by his brother, Albert Holder; and by his sister, Carol Peterson.

William was a Christian and raised in the Baptist faith.. For most of his working career, William was employed as a property manager for various apartment complexes. He enjoyed playing golf and loved collecting golf balls and had quite the collection. Bowling was another one of his passions too. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will be cherished by them all forever.

A kind and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in Crestview Memorial Park in St. Clair, MO. Memorials may be made to family.