Robin Lynn Fortner

Robin Lynn Fortner, 85, of Princeton, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Villas of Hollybrook Assisted Living in Mt. Carmel. He was born March 16, 1941 in Princeton to the late William Paul Fortner and Carroll Wilma (Dudley) Fortner. Robin had an active childhood playing in organized and unorganized sports that carried over into high school. He was a graduate of the Class of 1959 at Princeton High School where he made many lifelong friends.

Robin joined the US Army in October 1959 completing basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas before being stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. While stationed at Fort Bliss he attended Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis for training as a Personnel Special. Upon returning to Fort Bliss, he received a transfer to Camp Bussa, France for the remaining portion of his enlistment (2 years).

Upon returning to civilian life (October 1962), he went to work for Capitol Finance Corporation in Princeton as an Assistant Manager until April 1969 when he was named Manager of the Evansville Branch and in November 1969, he was promoted to Manager of Economy Savings & Loan in Dayton, Ohio (same company). After only one year, he had a yearning to move to Bradenton, Florida where Joan’s parents and siblings lived. Upon arriving in Bradenton, he was hired as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Operations for Deltona Corporation for their modular housing division in Sarasota and later including the manufacturing plant at St. Augustine, Florida.

In April 1975, he returned to Princeton with his wife and three children. Shortly after returning he went to work for City Motors, Inc. as a new car salesman and what was the beginning of a 45-year career as a salesman, business manager, assistant new car manager and General Manager (City Motors, Inc., Dauby Chevrolet-Buick, Kranitz Olds-Pontiac & GMC, Sharrett Chev-Buick-GMC, and Patriot Chev-Buick-GMC.)

During this timeframe, He was active in the youth sports programs that his two sons participated in, having coached baseball and basketball and serving two years as President of the Babe Ruth League.

Robin was also active in Princeton Political landscape having served 4 years on the Board of Works during Mayor Frank Wade’s administration.

But the real joy and what he considered the most important work to be done was his appointment to Elder in Christ’s Church in Princeton (Princeton Christian Church) for over 42 years.

Robin is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Joan Elaine Fortner of Princeton; children,  Geoffrey A. Fortner (Shelley) of Cypress, Texas, Bradley P. Fortner (Jenna) of Crawley, Texas, and Tracey Armstrong (Tony) of Evansville; and grandchildren, Cody Myers, Aubree Armstrong, Austin Fortner, Daulton Armstrong (Mariah), Peyton Benzo (Blake), Brandon Fortner, and Matthew Fortner; great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Arlo Myers, James “JB” Benzo, and Warren Armstrong; sisters, Shelley Martin of Princeton and Paula Epperson (David) of Haubstadt; sisters-in-law, Lana Braukoff and Jimmi Sue (Rick) Osborne of Petersburg; and last but not least, his best friend and brother by a different mother, Richard “Dick” Fitch.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Charles Rusell Morrison; siblings, Dianna Jo DeBord (Raymond) and William Jackson Fortner.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 30 at the Princeton Christian Church officiated by Seminary President Terry Carter. Interment will follow at Francisco Cemetery with full military rites given by members of the Retired Military Veterans. Visiting hours will be held from 4 until 7:00 PM Tuesday at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton and 10 to 11:00 AM Wednesday at the church.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to the Princeton Christian Church located at 219 N. Gibson St., Princeton, IN 47670. Online condolences can be given at ColvinFuneralHome.com where you can share a memory of Robin. Colvin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fortner family.

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