John Edward Fortenberry passed away Friday, April 2, 2021 in Denton. He was born in Gainesville, Texas to Sloan and Christine Fortenberry on March 4, 1940. John married Betty Thompson in 1965. He served his country in the United States Army and later served his community as the mayor of Valley View. John was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a lifelong pilot with a love of flying.  He was a long-time member of The Valley View United Methodist Church.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 5, 2021 at the Valley View Cemetery.

He was preceeded in death by his parents Sloan and Christine Fortenberry of Valley View and Son-in-Law Stephen Winkler of Sanger.

He is survived by his wife Betty Fortenberry of Valley View,  Daughters and Sons-in-Law Susan and Shawn Haxton of Sanger, Paige and Justin Cooney of Gainesville, and Granddaughter Emmaline McAfee, of Round Rock.

There will be a viewing at DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton from 10:00 - 12:00 on Monday morning.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy Vann, Julian "Jute" Shufelt, Kenneth Martin, Mitchell Hayes, Barry Turner, George Silk, Darrell Odneal, and Blake Fortenberry.

The family respectfully requests that graveside service attendees wear masks and will have them available.