James Daniel Fortner, age 86, passed away on May 10, 2018 at The Willard Care Center in Willard, Missouri following a short illness. Dan was born in Springfield, Missouri to Opal (Alexander) and Oliver Fortner. Dan was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his son, Michael Kent Fortner.

Dan was raised in Southwest Missouri and met his wife Lovena while a student at Pleasant Hope High School. He and “Vena” were married on May 31, 1952 and started their family the next year with the birth of their son Mike. Over the next few years, Chris and Danna were added to the Fortner Clan.

After a short stent in college where he decided that he was not the ‘formal education” type, Dan began his diverse and productive career. One of Dan’s first jobs was with Western Electric where he learned to wire almost anything and to avoid being shocked almost all of the time. Dan’s work with Western Electric led to many moves across the country with his young family. Always curious and hardworking with an entrepreneurial spirit, Dan began researching “up and coming” businesses, and in 1959 he opened his first A&W drive-in restaurant in Rolla, Missouri. In 1960, Dan and his family moved to Springfield where he and his business partner, Ken Farrell, opened a series of successful A&W’s. As Dan transitioned his A&W ownership to his son Mike in the mid ‘70s, he became more involved with the food concessions at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. In 1982, Dan was asked to become the General Manager of the Fairgrounds. Under his direction, the OEF transformed from a struggling organization to a thriving operation. Many referred to Dan as the man who “saved the fair” for future generations. His innovative leadership of OEF brought international recognition and awards to the fair. Dan retired from his position at the OEF in 1994. Before and after his retirement, Dan enjoyed working on his farm north of Springfield and tending to his cows, burros and pets including his loyal Golden Retriever, Gilbert. As part of his commitment to his community, Dan was involved with many organizations including the Northside Optimists, North Springfield Betterment Association, and the Springfield Park Board. Dan was a board member and president of Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals and a board member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.

During his fair days, Dan created a delicious frozen pineapple treat that came to be known as Pineapple Whip. Of all of his ventures, Pineapple Whip became the family legacy that has continued with his sons and grandsons. Other less known business ventures include his Tall Tales Bass Boat Store and his stent as publisher and editor of the Ozark’s Farmer.

During his career, Dan employed and befriended countless teenagers and college students, many of whom worked for him in their first jobs. Most of those kids remember him as a strict but fair boss who taught them the value of hard work. Dan also had a keen sense of humor that was best demonstrated by his practical jokes. Most of his friends, family members, and employees were the subject of one of those practical jokes at one time or another.

Although Dan loved to work, his family and his Christian faith came first. Dan worked long days but made sure to make time for his family. He enjoyed planning summer vacations including road trips across the United States and tropical excursions to the Bahamas and Virgin Islands. He loved an adventure, which lead him to obtain his pilot’s license, learn how to scuba dive, and build dune buggies from old VWs. Dan was a devoted Christian, seeking knowledge in lifelong bible study. He was a long time member of High Street Baptist Church, where he and his family worshipped until the “drums got too loud”. He served as a Deacon at High Street, and he and Vena were involved with the college ministry for many years. In recent years, he and Vena worshipped at Berean Baptist Church.

Dan is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Lovena (Sechler) Fortner; his son Chris Alan Fortner and wife Shaveen: daughter Danna Fortner Grear and husband Tim; daughter-in-law Diana Bernet Fortner, wife of Mike; and his sister Patricia (Fortner) Sims. He is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren including Nathan Fortner, wife Rachel and their children Truman, Faye, Alice, Helen and Graham; Zachary Fortner, wife Jenn and their children Sloane and Merrick; Anthony Fortner; Molly Grear and her husband Ben Hughey; Daniel Grear; Cariel (Sembler) Grove, husband Whitney and daughter Peyton; and Jordan Sembler. Additionally, Dan is survived by extended family including a niece Jennifer (Sechler) Bennett and nephews, Mark Sims and Stan Sechler.

Dan’s was a life well lived, full of curiosity, hard work, humor, adventure, worship and compassion. He used his body and his mind until they were completely worn out. He looked forward to a new body in eternity.

Dan’s life will be celebrated with a visitation from 5-7 pm on Monday, May 14 at Greenlawn North and a service at 10 am on Tuesday, May 15 at Berean Baptist Church. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Cemetary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Berean Missions’ Fund and Seasons Hospice.

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