Frederick Douglas Fortune of Phoenix, Arizona passed into the loving arms of his Savior on November 2, 2025.
Fred was born in Davison, Michigan on October 8, 1933. He was the fourth of six children born to William Russell Fortune and Lillian Mary Fortune.
He is proceeded in death by his wife, Ethel Lynn, his parents and three siblings, William Robert (Diane) Fortune, Coral Mae (Fred) Earl and Ursula Ann (Bill) Miller. His two remaining siblings, Mary (Kenneth) Richardson and Gail (Dennis) Maxwell, reside in Michigan. Fred was blessed with many nieces and nephews. Each family member was very dear to him.
Fred’s beloved brother-in-law, Richard Reiss greeted him at the Pearly Gates. Richard and Fred met at Olivet Nazarene College in 1955. Singing was an important part of Fred’s life. He and Richard sang in the Orpheus choir. Fred traveled as a student learning to preach the gospel with his father-in-law, John Swearengen, before he met his wife, Ethel Lynn. Richard married Ethel’s sister, Rebecca.
After marrying in 1958, Fred and Ethel served in the pastoral ministry for fourteen years. During that time God blessed them with two daughters, Rebecca and Susan. In 1975, Fred began his career as an insurance agent. Fred was an industrious worker and continued selling insurance into his eighties. One of Fred’s greatest joys was the birth of his grandson, Adam. He shared his love of fishing and the great outdoors with Adam. In his spare time, Fred also enjoyed golfing, building models and writing.
Fred was so very dear to me! He was a member of my choir at Fellowship Square. Infact, he and Richard sat next to each other and were my best vocalists, by far. Fred’s beautiful tenor voice was a blessing to me from the first day I met him! My husband and I had the great privilege of getting to know he and Lynn. Fred made me a model WW2 airplane and a magnificent piano! . People were in awe of his talents! My husband and I loved having meals with him. He and Charlie would banter back and forth with stories from their past. We would laugh for hours. I already miss him so much. My prayers are with his daughters and family, who he cherished!
Sherri,
Thank you for sharing these precious memories of my father. He loved singing. Your choir provided a special place for him to fellowship and share his gift. Thank you for sharing your mealtime memories. He loved reminiscing. Your memories comfort my heart.
Fred was so very dear to me! He was a member of my choir at Fellowship Square. Infact, he and Richard sat next to each other and were my best vocalists, by far. Fred’s beautiful tenor voice was a blessing to me from the first day I met him! My husband and I had the great privilege of getting to know he and Lynn. Fred made me a model WW2 airplane and a magnificent piano! . People were in awe of his talents! My husband and I loved having meals with him. He and Charlie would banter back and forth with stories from their past. We would laugh for hours. I already miss him so much. My prayers are with his daughters and family, who he cherished!
Sherri,
Thank you for sharing these precious memories of my father. He loved singing. Your choir provided a special place for him to fellowship and share his gift. Thank you for sharing your mealtime memories. He loved reminiscing. Your memories comfort my heart.