from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — L. Edward Fortney, 89, of Attica, Ohio, died Sept. 19, 2018, at The Willows in Bellevue.

Mr. Fortney was born April 4, 1929, in Attica, to Lloyd E. and Elizabeth (Berger) Fortney. He married Rebecca A. Chenault on June 2, 1951, in Memphis, Tenn., and she preceded him in death on May 24, 2011.

He is survived by his sons, Kenneth (Mary) and Mark (Elaine); daughters, Peggy (Larry) Beck and Nancy (Rodney) Watson; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Anna Mary Smythe; and lifelong friend, Norma Ender. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elvin, Orrie, Ralph, Glenn and an infant brother; sisters, Bernice Shontz, Audrey Meredith, and Nellie Ruth Diehl.

He retired in 1991 from Pioneer Rubber Co. in Attica, as a plant supervisor.

He attended the Union Pisgah United Methodist Church Attica, was a 1948 graduate of Attica High school, a U.S. Air Force Korean Conflict veteran, serving as a flight engineer, and a member and past commander of the Attica American Legion Post #260.

Mr. Fortney was a member of the USTA and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, and was a harness horseman for 65 years as an owner, trainer and driver.

He was also a little league baseball coach.

Visitation for family and friends will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 22) at the Lindsey-Olds Funeral Home, 3085 S. SR 19, Bloomville. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Pete Bellamy officiating. The Attica American Legion Post #260 will conduct military honors following the memorial service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, Attica American Legion #260, and the Attica Senior Fair Board.