Martin Blake Fortney

Martin Blake Fortney, Sr., 78, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Lake Pointe Health Center, Lorain after a short illness. He was born January 16, 1936 in Roseburg, WV and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 54 years moving from Lumberport, WV. He was a veteran of US Air Force serving during the Korean War. Martin worked for Ford Motor Co., Lorain for 30 years retiring as a supervisor in 1992. He was a member of the UAW #425 and was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his earlier years, he had won numerous marksmanship awards and enjoyed traveling on family vacations. He will be remembered as a loving husband, caring for his wife for many years. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ethel Ellen (nee Bussey) Fortney; son, Martin Blake Fortney Jr. of Vermilion; daughter, Vickie Lynn (John) Fortney-Frye of Lambertville, MI; granddaughter, Danielle Nicole Hauff of Toledo; and brothers, Jim, Charles, and Bob Fortney. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marilynn Ruth (nee Martin) Fortney and an infant daughter, Donna Sue Fortney. The family will receive friends at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 12 Noon until the time of a Vermilion Veterans Council Veterans Service at 3:00 p.m. Funeral services will immediately follow the military honors at the Riddle Funeral Home, with Earl Red Hardway, Jr. officiating. Private interment will take place at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon The family would like to thank the Earl and Ora Hardway family for their years of friendship. The family suggests memorial contributions to the donors choice. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com