Frank Lawrence Fortney

In Loving Memory of Frank Lawrence Fortney, August 2, 1941 – December 26, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Frank Lawrence Fortney, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Frank left this world on December 26, 2023, at 82, leaving behind a lifetime of adventure and cherished memories.

Frank was born in Tulsa, OK, on August 2, 1941, to Frank Arthur Fortney and Nadine Lois Fortney.  Growing up in north Tulsa, he was known as “Frankie” to friends and family. He graduated from Central High School in 1959 and received a degree in business from Oklahoma State University in 1963.  After that, he began his journey as an entrepreneur with his best friend, Stan Caywood, joined later by Don Flannery. Frank and Stan started and ran several businesses, from air conditioning repair to home building. With Don, they began a furniture retail and manufacturing company called “New Antiques, Inc.” with locations throughout the Midwest.  Never one to “retire,” later in life, he became a part-time rancher and finally achieved his real dream of being a “Carnie,” traveling with his wife, Lynn, selling stickers and smoothies at fairs, carnivals, and weekend concerts around the country. Frank’s passion for life and work was always keenly felt by those around him. Frank had a gift for meeting new friends and making them feel welcome.

Frank had a large extended family and countless friends.  He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Lynn and her family, Tebra and Tom Bethea, their sons, Curtis and Jarred, and a new great-grandchild, Ellowyn, daughter of Curtis and Allie.  With his former wife, Sheryl, he leaves behind their three adult children and spouses: Guy and Stephanie Fortney, Denise and Jim Allen, and Dawn and Don Cosper. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, whom he was always proud to tell you about: Alex and Faith Fortney, Jessica and Elisabeth Allen, Andrew McDowell, and Delilah Cosper. Frank took great pride in watching them grow and succeed. Frank also leaves behind his sister, Kathy Harper, her husband, Jon, and nephew and niece, Brad and Jennifer Harper.  His love, advice, and encouragement will be greatly missed.

He will also be greatly missed by his adopted family (who also adopted him and Lynn), Miguel and Laura Martinez and their beautiful new baby, Yaretzi. The family thanks them for the support and love over the past several years.

Most of all, he is missed by his loving wife, Lynn, to whom he was a devoted husband. Together, they shared 29 years of love, laughter, and adventure. Their travels across the U.S. created a lifetime of memories and friends, which bring joy and contentment when remembered.  Lynn helped Frank fill his unquenchable spirit for adventure as his curiosity and wanderlust took him from Oklahoma to every state in the Continental U.S. to spend time with friends and family.  He was a friend to all, always ready with a helping hand. Frank had a zest for life and enjoyed spending time with loved ones, sharing a meal, and good conversation. His was a life well-lived.

In later years, his journey led him to the Collinsville Free Will Baptist Church, where he accepted the Lord and was baptized on October 17, 2021 by Pastor Adam Yandell.

Visitation will be Noon to 8:00 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home. The family will be present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Frank's life will be celebrated on December 29, 2023, at Collinsville Free Will Baptist Church at 10:00 am. We invite all who knew and loved him to join us in honoring his memory. In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Collinsville Free Will Baptist Church, which was dear to Frank's heart.

Burial will take place at Noon at the Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow.

May he rest in eternal peace and enjoy God’s grace.