Jack Pershing Fortson, age 92 of Martinsville and Westminster, MD, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at the home of his daughter in Westminster, MD. Jack was born February 20, 1918 in Elwood, Indiana to the late William R. and Fredonia (Hight) Fortson. He was mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 35 years, and retired in 1981. Until this past year Jack was a lifelong resident of the Elwood community and had attended Elwood schools. He was a veteran of WW II serving with the U.S. Army Air Force as a Staff Sargeant and Crew Chief with the 8th Air Force, 56th Fighter Squadron in England. He married Jeanette Murdock on January 13, 1946. He was a devoted member of the East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood and served in many ways over the years - including as a Trustee and a Deacon. He was also a member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, the American Legion, Quincy Masonic Lodge #230, Scottish Rite Valley, the Shriners, and previously served on the Elwood School Board. He was an active volunteer in numerous community activities. He loved to read, travel, do the Indianapolis Star crossword puzzle, and to spend time with his family and friends.

He is survived by: Son - John E. (wife Sandy) Fortson of Martinsville; Daughter - Ann Fortson Gifford of Westminster, MD; 2 Grandsons - John D. Gifford and fiancée, Jenny Stitt both of Denver, CO and Timothy R. (wife Ivy) Gifford of Westminster, MD; Great-Grandson - Gavin T. Gifford of Westminster, MD; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the last of his immediate family being predeceased by his parents; wife of almost 60 years – Jeanette Fortson who died October 18, 2005; and 9 Siblings - Agnes, Catherine, Wanita, Floyd "Jig", Carl, Roland "Rod", Ralph, Gene, and Robert.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 12, 2011 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM Friday, March 11, 2011 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Burial will take place privately at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to East Main Street Christian Church, 1801 Main Street, Elwood, IN 46036. Online condolences may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.