Arch Floyd Forkner, Richards, MO went to join the Lord on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the age of 94, after living a full and active life. He was born December 28, 1928, in rural Vernon County; the youngest son of the late Archie Floyd Forkner and Lula Reynolds Forkner. He married Carol Stamps on August 6, 1950, in Nevada, MO, and she preceded him in death in 2007.
Arch lived in the Metz area for almost his entire life, graduating from Metz High School Class of 1947. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953, in Germany, and returned home to farm with his father in the Rinehart area. They raised row crops, Registered Polled Herefords, and hogs. Arch farmed most of his life and was an advocate of soil and water conservation. Arch was an earlier adopter of the Balanced Farming system. He sold both crop insurance and seed for many years. He was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Arch was a member of Rinehart Christian Church, but also served many years at Community Christian Church, Ft. Scott, KS. He also served as a Vernon County Commissioner for several terms. He was an avid supporter of the Vernon County Youth Fair, 4-H, and FFA. Arch enjoyed attending dirt track races, playing cards, and attending Nevada Tiger Athletics. He never met a stranger, enjoyed visiting with people, and loved music.
Arch is survived by his daughter, Sherrie (Craig) Davidson, Broken Arrow, OK; his son, Tim (Tammy) Forkner, Richards MO; three grandsons: Daniel (Bethany) Davidson, Springfield, OR, Nathan (Ashley) Forkner, Richards, MO, and Peter (Sara) Davidson, Broken Arrow, OK; two granddaughters, Rebekah (Chris) Terry, Broken Arrow, OK, and Christy (Phil) Witt, Neosho, MO; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Rinehart Christian Church, Richards, MO, with Pastors Kevin Moyer and Daniel Davidson officiating. Interment will follow in National Cemetery, Ft. Scott, KS. Friends may call now and until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO, with the family receiving friends 5-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to the RICM (Rural India Christian Mission) or the Vernon County Youth Fair c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
