Mr. Dennis Gale Fortner, age 80, of Ekron, KY, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown, KY. Dennis was born on July 30, 1945, the son of Hubert Wayne and Cleo (Oliver) Fortner.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  Dennis was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the Harrison Masonic Lodge #122 F. & A.M., and a HAM radio operator.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marie Elaine (King) Fortner; his son, Dennis Duane Fortner; and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy McAtee; four grandchildren, Amanda (Jace) Sipes, Michael (Constance) Kerr, Matthew Kerr and Tabitha (Shawn) Stutzenberger; 11 great grandchildren, Dylan, Colin, Charlie, Madilyn, James, Synciere, Jae, Bentley, Kaylee, Jordan and Michael, Jr.; two brothers, James Fortner and George Fortner; and his sister, Barbara Patrick.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the chapel of Hager Funeral Home. Burial, with military honors, will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY at 2:30 PM. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday and from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Wednesday.