Jerry Dean Fortney, born July 14, 1941, to Harry and Ellen Delva Fortney in Enid, Oklahoma, departed this life on June 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Jerry grew up with a deep love for the land, livestock, and the cowboy way of life. He graduated from Bristow High School with the Class of 1959 and carried the values of hard work, grit, and loyalty with him throughout his life.

Jerry worked as a horse trainer, jockey, and true All‑American cowboy. Whether he was in the saddle, at the track, or raising horses of his own, he found purpose and joy in the world of rodeo and ranching. His love for horses and the rodeo life was matched only by his love for his family.

Jerry was united in marriage to Sara Mounce, and together they built a blended family rooted in love, respect, and shared memories. He was the proud father of five children: Deana, Jeremy, Luke, Susan, Justin Palmer. He enjoyed nothing more than time spent with his family, tending to his horses, and attending rodeos.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Fortney; four children, Deana Fortney, Luke Fortney and wife Dana, Susan Banks and husband Kevin, Justin Palmer and Samantha; two sisters, Phyllis Trout, Ann Randolph and husband Darrell; stepson Pat Mounce and wife Sabrina; and stepdaughter Iris Schwindt and husband Kim.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy carried on by his grandchildren: Macee Sandford and husband Ben, Charitee Elias, Chandler Fortney, Asa Fortney, Seth Fortney, Brock Banks, Brook Banks, Colby Palmer, Addison Palmer, and Stetson Palmer, Lucas Fortney, Cody Bridgeford and Danielle Wilson; along with step‑grandchildren Michael Mounce and wife Jamie, Zach Mounce, Kenneth Schwindt, Kody Schwindt, and Aaron Schwindt. He was blessed with numerous great‑grandchildren who brought him joy in his later years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jeremy Fortney; and two brothers, Lewis and Leroy Fortney, brother-in-law, Tommy Trout.