Robert Fortney

Robert V. Fortney, 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, March 7, 2014, at his home after a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 9, 1930, in Kirksville, Mo., the son of Virgil and Lucy Newcum Fortney. He and Patty A. Patterson were married Dec. 23, 1950, in Kirksville. She survives.

He graduated from Kirksville High School in 1948 and worked for Newcum Refrigeration in Kirksville before joining the U.S. Navy where he served from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War. He served aboard the U.S. Destroyer DD675.

He returned to his work at Newcum upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy. He worked for Tate Distributing in Cape Girardeau and Wetterau Foods in the Mexico, Mo., and Hazelwood, Mo., divisions before retiring in 1992.

Robert and his wife, Pat, became RV'ers, spending nine winters in Florida and one in Yuma, Ariz., after which they settled again in Cape Girardeau. He was a member of Cape First. He was a dedicated worker of the churches he attended through his life. He was a volunteer for the American Red Cross and a board member of Mid-America Teen Challenge in St Louis and Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years; daughter, Sheila (Mike) Jones of Cape Girardeau; son, Tom (Cathy) Fortney of O'Fallon, Mo.; two grandsons, Chris (Melissa) and David (Holly) Jones; two granddaughters, Rachel and Nicole Fortney; three great-granddaughters, Shelby, Libby and Annabelle; and a great-grandson, Matthew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robert Dennis Fortney; and a sister, Lucile Moots.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Cape First. The celebration of life memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., with Rev. Gary Brothers officiating.

Private graveside rites with military honors will be at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo., at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mid-America Teen Challenge.

Arrangements were by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.