Dean Forney

George “Dean” Forney

Dean Forney, 78, died unexpectantly July 16, 2021 of a heart attack. He was born September 12,1942, in Billings Montana, to George and Elizabeth “Mae” (McKnaught) Forney. Dean was the third of four children and the only son.

Dean attended a number of schools due to his father being a US Geological Surveyor. He attended high school in Gainesville for a brief time. Dean completed a GED and attended classes to become a diesel mechanic. He started as a mechanic for International Harvester and worked his way up the corporate ladder. He was a regional service manager when he retired from IH to start his own business selling custom refuse trucks in Spokane and the surrounding areas. He sold his business and moved to Texas in 2000 when he decided to marry Sharon (Shotwell) Forney.

After moving to Texas Dean worked at Zodiac and Peterbilt. He retired from Peterbilt after a layoff, but still wanted to work. He was employed by WinStar Casino in early 2009 as a vault clerk. He was still employed there at the time of his death as a vault supervisor. Dean enjoyed working at WinStar and was very proud of the multiple times he received the supervisor of the month and employee of the month awards.

Dean’s hobbies included flying sail planes (gliders), photography, and astronomy. He completed college level astronomy courses and enjoyed tracking and photographing the stars with his telescope. Dean loved all aspects of flying. He became a glider pilot and was instrumental in starting the Spokane Soaring Society while living in Spokane, WA. He was a lifetime member of the Soaring Society of America and was very active in the Young Eagle program designed to introduce youth to aviation. Dean gave over 50 children their first flights. He did weekly aerobatic shows at a theme park and excelled at cross country flying in a sail plane. He flew sail planes in Hawaii, England, India, New Zealand, and Africa while on vacation. Dean belonged to the North Texas Soaring club in Decatur, Texas until it disbanded.

One of Dean’s proudest accomplishments was to receive a Gliding Gold Badge in 2014 from the National Aeronautic Association for completing his longest cross-country flight in a sail plane. The badge has 3 diamonds representing flights for distance, goal, and height. In June 2013, Dean completed a 500K flight in his sail plane. He was towed and landed in Moriarity, New Mexico and spent 7 hours soaring with the Eagles (or as he would say, more likely with the buzzards).

Dean was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He liked to have a “project” to work on, which often involved building or repairing something for a friend or family member. He provided community service by delivering Meals on Wheels every Tuesday.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Patti Garrett and Diana Ingram. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, son and daughter from a previous marriage, Jim Forney and wife Brenda and Helen McKelvey, both of Washington; stepsons Damon Foster and wife Teal and Brent Foster; sister Gayle Whitaker of Montana; mother-in-law Lorene Wilson; brothers-in-law Lacy Shotwell and wife Karen, Kenny Wilson and wife Betty, Randy Wilson and wife Robin, and Donny Wilson and wife Darla. Together Dean and Sharon had 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Dean is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends. He will be missed by many.

Dean’s wishes were to be cremated. A remembrance service will be held on August 7, 2021 at George J Carroll Funeral Home in Gainesville from 4 to 6pm for friends and family to share memories of Dean. Those who wish to make a donation in Dean’s memory may do so to Abigail’s Arms Cooke County Family Crisis Center, 1600 N Aspen Rd in Gainesville.