Mr. E. Earl Forton's Obituary
Mr. E. Earl Forton, age 86, passed away Sunday morning, January 17, 2021. He was born August 27, 1934 to Robert and Zora (Dunn) Forton in Muskegon. On September 12, 1953, he married Donna J. VanBrocklin. Earl spent 22 years in active duty with the U.S. Army with multiple deployments before retiring from the military. He then worked as a car salesman for the next 35 years before retiring at Witt Buick as the general manager. Earl was a member of Forest Park Covenant Church, Lakeside Vets, and the Muskegon Heights Eagles. He made many treasured memories with family and friends while enjoying his hobbies: hunting, fishing, golfing, and camping, and was the Captain of his charter fishing boat Toy For Joy III for 10 years. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donna, and their sons: Randy (Dawn) Forton, Tim (Michelle) Forton; daughter-in-law: Marilyn Forton; grandchildren: Luke Forton, Shannon (Duane) McManus, Troy (Tara) Forton, Brittany, Brandy and Bryann Forton; bonus grandchildren: Scott (Sandy) McDowell, Mark (Heidi) McDowell, Rona (Brian) Dethloff, Donovan Eberhard; great-grandchildren: Allison, Connor, and Braden McManus, Taylynn, Trace and Sloane Forton; bonus great-grandchildren: Colin, Sydney, Erin, Ryan, and Marlowe McDowell, Brennan and Carter Dethloff. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, son Robert Forton, daughter Sandra Forton, granddaughter Candace Forton, sister Patricia Kelley, and brother Richard Forton. The funeral service for Earl will be Friday, January 22, at 1:00 PM at Forest Park Covenant Church, 3815 Henry St., Muskegon, 49441. Burial will take place at Norton Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mr. Forton may be made to the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
What’s your fondest memory of E.?
What’s a lesson you learned from E.?
Share a story where E.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with E. you’ll never forget.
How did E. make you smile?
