Carl Leon Fortner

Gessie, Ind. - Carl Leon Fortner, 77, of Gessie, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 5:54 p.m. EDT at his residence.

He was born June 9, 1942 in Perrysville, Indiana to the late Russell and Mabel (Staggs) Fortner.

He married Gayle Dickerson on April 15, 1964 in Danville, Illinois. She preceded him in death on November 18, 2009.

Survivors include his daughter: Tammy (Robin) Bruno of Gessie, Indiana; son: Troy Fortner of Gessie, Indiana; four sisters: Melody Fortner of Missouri, Mona Beckelhymer of Colorado, Hazel Barr of Florida and Meda Winslow of Champaign, Illinois and one brother: Paul Fortner of Florida. Also surviving are five grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Myra Fortner and Clara Bernardi and one brother: Orville Fortner.

Carl was a 1960 graduate of Perrysville High School. Upon graduating, he went on to serve his country honorably from 1961-1964 in the United States Army. After being discharged from the Army, Carl went into work as a machinist. He opened his own machine shop, Gessie Machine & Tool, in 1975. Those who knew Carl knew how much he enjoyed spending time in his shop.

Per his request, cremation has been accorded and there will be no services. DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Indiana is honored to be caring for the family.