William Bruce Fortson

SOUTH BEND - William (Bill) Bruce Fortson, age 81, of South Bend and Fishers, Indiana, died peacefully with family December 11, 2021, at the home of his daughter in Fishers, Indiana. Bill was a graduate of Central High School in South Bend, Indiana, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics degree from ValparaisoUniversity. OnAugust 4, 1962, he married Joyce Rader in Rockford, Illinois. He worked for over 30 years as a commercial and industrial painting contractor for Universal Painting Co. in South Bend. He was active as an officer and was a 32-year member in the North Central Indiana Painters JATC Apprenticeship Program. He and Joyce were founding members of Hilltop Lutheran Church and longtime members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. In his retirement he spent time with his friends, traveling, and golfing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and the family pets.

He is survived by his Son - Brad Fortson, Daughter - Sarah Fortson, Grandsons - Will (Tarissa) and Trent (Abby) Fortson, and two Great-Grandchildren. He was the last of his immediate family and was predeceased by his wife of 50 years - Joyce Fortson who died in September of 2012.

A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM July 23, 2022, at Hilltop Lutheran Church, South Bend, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to theValparaisoUniversity Alumni – Valpo Fund (Scholarship). Burial will be at a later date at Rader Lutheran Cemetery, Rader, Missouri.

Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be made at www. palmerfuneralhomes.com.

07/17/2022 EJS