Donald Dean Fortney, 83 years of Bellevue, NE, died August 9, 2015 at the Bellevue Medical Center. He was born December 17, 1931 in Brashear, MO to Buel and Vera (Cooper) Fortney. Don served in the U.S. Navy and he retired from the U.S. Air Force serving over 21 years. He was honorably discharged on June 30, 1974. He also served the U.S. Postal Service for 21 years following his military career. On August 10, 1984, Don was married to LaVerne (DeMeyer) Vanderpool at their home in Ashland. Don was a member of Ashland Baptist Church, American Legion #129, and VFW #9776.

He is survived by wife of 31 years, LaVerne Fortney; daughters, Mary (John) Bower of Checotah, OK and Bonnie Majercik of Gainstown, OH; grandchildren, Walter Bower of Oklahoma and Krystal Bucci of Ohio; many great-grandchildren; brother, Gary (Sandra) Fortney of Muscatine, IA; step-children, Tina Vanderpool of Elmwood, Vanessa Johnson of Elmwood, Ed (Betty) Bak of Imperial, MO, and Sharon (Don) Feldhake of Redington Beach, FL; step-grandchildren, Cherie, Jennifer, Sarah, Ed, Tavis, Derek, Rob, and Joseph; favorite dog, Jasmine.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Fortney; and step-daughter, Debbie Earl.