Richard L Fortner, August 19, 1949 — January 15, 2019

Richard’s Obituary August 19, 1949 – January 15, 2019 Col. Richard L. Fortner entered eternal rest on January 15, 2019, at the age of 69. He passed away at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital.

He was proud of his country and served in the United States Air Force from January 1980 until his retirement in August 2004. He was a proud recipient of the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. He continued to serve our country’s military by working at Humana Military Tricare.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Clay Fortner and Faye Moore Fortner and sister Deborah Schmidt. Richard leaves behind a devoted and loving husband David Caudill; son Michael Fortner and his wife Jennifer, grandsons Clay Conway Fortner and Michael Richard Fortner II. Daughter Melissa De La Rosa and grandsons, Brian, Daniel, and Gerald De La Rosa; and Daughter Lindsey and Daniel Hale and grandson Nathanael Hale; sister Patricia and Jerry Gray, nephew Cory and Lindsey Gray, great niece Mackenzie and great nephew Nigel, niece Kelly and niece Kassy and Trent Wallace; great nephew, Henry; sister, Teresa Hulstrom and nephew Erik and Angela Hulstrom, great niece Danika Jade and great nephew Aidan Jeffry; brother-in-law Paul Schmidt, niece Amanda Schmidt and nephew Benjamin Schmidt.

He remained active and was a beloved volunteer at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. His favorite pastimes included going to the movies and adventures on the high seas, cruising with the love of his life, David. He knew no stranger and maintained contact with his many friends over the years.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Voluntary Service. Checks may be made payable to “Department of Veteran Affairs” and note on memo line “GPF 7006”. The family wishes to thank the compassionate staff of the VA’s Community Living Center.

Graveside services will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78209, on Friday February 1, 2019, 10:45 a.m., in Shelter #5. For more service information please visit CastleRidgeMortuary.com Ft.

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