KENNETH ‘LARRY’ FORTSON

Kenneth “Larry” Fortson passed away on Oct. 16, 2020, at his home in Shiloh at the age of 78. Graveside services were held Monday, Oct. 19, in the Prairie Grove Cemetery, with the Rev. Maurine Day officiating. Galen Day, Danny Ray Fortson, Jackie Phillips, Jorden Darby, Levin Darby and Brady Fortson served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were John Pevehouse and Daniel Ramirez.

Larry was born Nov. 3, 1941, in Shiloh, to Joseph Spurgeon and Tressie Estell (Whisenhunt) Fortson. He moved to Houston for a short time but returned to the place he loved and called home, Shiloh.

Nothing meant more to Larry than his family. He loved being a Dad, but after becoming a grandfather, his love grew even more. Although he was a rather quiet man, the grandkids had a way of bringing out a different side of him as he thoroughly enjoyed teasing and cutting up with them; they were the highlight of his life. Larry also loved his Blue Catahoula dogs which, over the years, he owned seven of them, all named “Red” with the exception of the last one; he called her “Baby.”

In his younger years, Larry enjoyed coon hunting, and in most recent years, he enjoyed restoring tractors, and buying and selling them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Tressie Fortson; son Kenneth Fortson Jr.; and brothers, Joe, Ollie and Al Fortson.

Larry is survived by his wife, Yvonne Fortson of Mexia; sons James Fortson of Mexia and Robert Fortson and wife Andee of Coolidge; daughter Misty Darby of Mexia; sister Laverne Day of Mexia; brothers-in-law Bennie Phillips and wife Jennie of Groesbeck, and Duane Beard and wife Tauna of Wortham; sister-in-law Bettye Marlin and husband Truman of Rice; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren: and numerous nieces and nephews..

Visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.