Fredric Daniel Forney, Sr.

Fredric “Fred” D. Forney, Sr., 90, a resident of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away on October 7, 2025. Born on October 5, 1935, in Columbiana, Ohio to the late Elwood and Ruby Forney, he graduated from high school in 1953, where he served as senior class president and captain of the varsity football team. He won varsity letters in both football and track. As a young person, he became a member of the Locust Grove Baptist Church in Greenford, OH.

Following high school, Fred enrolled at Kent State University, where he graduated with honors in 1957 and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While at Kent State, he was a member of the ROTC and upon graduation was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was then commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army Reserves. At Kent State, he was also a member and officer of the National Society of Scabbard and Blade, a scholastic military society. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and served terms as chapter president and treasurer.

On June 16, 1957, Fred married Rachel Alice Esterly, daughter of A. Russell and Eleanor Sample Esterly of Columbiana, OH. She was a descendent of one of the original settlers of that village.

Fred entered active duty with the US Army in 1958 and was promoted to first lieutenant and completed his active duty at Fort Meade, MD in 1960. He was subsequently promoted to captain in the US Army Reserves. In 1993, he retired from the US Department of Defense after 33 years of civilian service. He is a 1975 civilian graduate of the US Army War College of Carlisle, PA. During his career, he was awarded his agency’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award and retired as a senior management officer. Fred was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Elks Club.

Fred and Rachel had a small crafts and hobby business, offering their products at local craft fairs for many years. They were also active in various senior’s groups. In his later years, Fred enjoyed traveling with his good friend, Joyce Roper, and he was well-cared for by the many wonderful people at the Ginger Cove Retirement Community.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Rachel. He is survived by his children, Fred Forney, Jr. (Cindy), Susan McAleer (Terry), and John Forney (Joyce). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Scott, Kimberly, Bethany, Jeffrey, Lauren, Colin, Johnny, and Daniel, and 11 great grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Fred’s life on Sunday, November 9 at 2:30 pm at Friendship Hall at the Ginger Cove Retirement Community, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association (P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116).

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.

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