Charles E. Fortner, 83, of North Vernon, passed away at 12:43 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral and Cremation Service. Rev. Anthony Sweeney will officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the service, at the funeral home.

Born on October 7, 1939, in Versailles, Charles was the loving son of James and Anna (Mack) Fortner. He was united in marriage to Doris Worrick on January 18, 1986. She survives.

After high school, Charles went on to serve his country proudly in the US Air Force. Later he began his career in Human Resources at Cummins Inc. where he retired after 23 years of work. He was a member of the Local 741 Carpenter Union, and a member of the First Christian Church. Charles enjoyed fishing in his spare time, going to a good yard sale, playing cards with family and friends, and throwing horseshoes. Most of all, Charles cherished all his time spent with his family.

In addition to his wife, Doris Fortner of North Vernon, Charles is survived by daughters, Pam (Elbert) Gray,  and Michelle Brown all of north Vernon; sons, Michael Fortner of North Vernon, and James Fortner (Laura) of East Enterprise; step daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Green of North Vernon; step son, Steve (Melinda) Schmidt of North Vernon; sisters, Sue Horton, Ellen Moore, Sandy (Mike) Summerfield, and Phyllis Blair all of North Vernon; grandchildren, Cody (Megan), Colton Gray, Mikel (Gaylen) Gray, Glenda Sizemore, Cortney (Michael) Matthews, Cori Fortner, Steve and Jacob Schmidt, Travis and Trent Roberson; great grandchildren, Skiler Fortner, Noah, Braydon, Lawver, Morgan, and Abby Estis, Greyson, Bennett Schmidt; several step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, James and Anna Fortner; sisters, Virginia Booher, Edith Bishop, Geneva Monday, Lucille Redicker, and Stella Kershingner; brother, William Fortner.

Memorials can be made through the funeral home to the First Christian Church.