Joe Forkner

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Joe Dean Forkner, age 68 of Columbus, passed away at 6:42 AM on Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Mercy Hospital of Joplin, MO after a short illness.

Joe was born in Columbus, KS on December 2, 1951 to the union Marlin M. Forkner and Bessie (L.) Smith. He had lived in Columbus all of his life, graduating from Columbus Unified High School with the Class of 1969. During his time in high school, he worked for four years at Hudson Filling Station. After high school, he worked for a manufacturing plant in Baxter Springs for many years, for Class, LTD in Baxter and Columbus for many years, and at Pennyworth in Columbus for many years. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Columbus.

Joe was united in marriage with Cindy Morris. They later divorced. He then married Lois Benton, and she preceded him in death. 

He was also preceded in death by his parents; Marlin and Bessie Forkner; twin siblings; Billy Forkner and Betty Marshall; triplet siblings; Lonnie Forkner, Leonard Forkner, and Lena Forkner; and a brother, Stanley Forkner.

He is survived by one daughter, Jolleen Forkner of Carl Junction, MO; three sisters, June (Soper) Rentfro, Nancy Rowton (husband, Dale), and Dorothy Wells (husband, Robert), all of Columbus; one grandson; one granddaughter, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Mr. Forkner was entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus for cremation. No services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.