Obituary of William Robert Fortney

William Robert (Bob) Fortney, June 3, 1926 – September 6, 2015. William Robert (Bob) Fortney, 89, of State College, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2015. Born June 3, 1926 in Arcola, Illinois, he was the son of the late Dr. Millard Hunter Fortney and Vivian Marie Rennels of Arcola, Illinois. He served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. On February 4, 1950 Bob married Jean Bawden Decker, and they were married for almost 60 years, until Jean’s death in 2010. Bob graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and a Masters of Science degree in Horticulture. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy from Purdue University. Bob was on the faculty of the West Virginia University from 1956-1966, when he and his family moved to State College. Bob served as an Associate Professor of Horticulture at The Pennsylvania State University from 1966 until his retirement. While at Penn State, Bob was instrumental in developing trial gardens and commercial flower production for international flower growers. He also led garden tours across dozens of countries, accompanied by his wife, Jean. He was selected by the United States Department of Agriculture to assist commercial flower growers in developing countries – in particular, in Bolivia, Nigeria, Uganda and Azerbaijan – to improve production and sales of commercial flowers. Bob was an avid bridge player. He moved to the Village at Penn State in 2003 and there served as the Chairman of the Landscape Committee. Bob is survived by his three children, David Fortney (Jacqueline Scott), from Mclean, VA; Joan Fortney Niderberg (Dave Niderberg), of Spotsylvania, VA; and Mark Fortney (Marianne Guidos), of Waukesha, WI. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alex Niderberg, Abbie Niderberg and Hunter Fortney. Additionally, Bob is survived by his sister, Virginia Fortney, of State College and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Decker, of Pasadena, MD; Helen Fortney, of Austell, GA; and Patricia Fortney, of Arcola, IL; two brothers-in-law, Bruce Decker of Henderson, KY and Charles Decker, Esq. (Sutton) of Murphysboro, IL and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws, all of whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Millard Hunter Fortney, Jr., James Pickering Fortney and Joseph Hugh Fortney. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015, at the Village of Penn State, officiated by Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Joel Blunk, at 10:30 am. A reception will follow. The family welcomes all of Bob’s friends in celebrating his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made either to the Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801 or the Fortney Garden that will be established in memory of Bob and Jean Fortney by sending contributions in care of Fortney & Scott, 1750 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.