John Fortner

John Fortner was a fortunate man. He lived a life of love. John left this Earth on April 21, 2015, leaving family and friends who loved him dearly. Born on September 15, 1928, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Marshall, North Carolina, to Jesse and May Beatrice Fortner. John lived there with his parents and 3 siblings until he finished high school and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. John spent 3 1/2 years, serving during the Korean War on rescue ship. He married and had two sons, John and Jeff. In 1963, John met Louise Kellogg through mutual friends. A year later they married and a true love story began. They created a loving family including Louise's four children and John's two sons. They lived a busy life, with John participating in the children's sports, school and church activities. He loved all of his children and thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow. John loved working for the Nabisco Company, and was known to many as "The Cookie Man." He loved the company and the people he worked with, retiring from Nabisco as sales manager after 39 years. Golf was another of John's loves. He and Louise started a golf group that played together 41 years, which took them around the world, in many different countries and enjoying time with their golfing friends. John was a life member of the Pleasant Valley Lions Club. He chaired many committees and participated in numerous Lions Club activities and fundraisers benefiting the community. Through his 39 years in the Lions Club, John made countless friendships, friends he truly loved. John will be truly missed by his wife, Louise; his sons, John Fortner (Becky) of Washington, Jeff Fortner of Washington; Michael Kellogg (Debbie) of Moorpark; and his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. John is also survived by sister Maude Loving of North Carolina and Sue Caldwell of Highland Ca. John was preceded in death by three children; Ron Kellogg, Linda Kellogg and Patti Kellogg; and one brother, Jim Fortner. Services will be held Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Evangical Church, Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evangical Church of the Pleasant Valley Lions Club.