Walter Lee Fort

Walter Lee Fort Funeral services for Walter Lee Fort, 64, of Longview, will be held 2 PM Friday, December 14, 2001 at First Baptist Church with Revs. Randy Carter, David Lanagan and Thomas Mock officiating under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Burial will follow in Grace Hill Cemetery where he will receive full firefighter honors from the Longview Fire Department for his many years of faithful service. The retired Fire Chief died Tuesday evening, December 11th at a local hospital. He was born August 25, 1937 in Texarkana, Texas to Foster and Jean Fort. They moved to Longview when Lee was an infant. He graduated from Longview High School in 1956 and began his career with the Longview Fire Department on October 1, 1956. He made driver in 1957, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1966, promoted to Captain in 1971 and Senior Captain in 1978. He became Assistant Chief in 1979 and Fire Chief in 1993. Lee retired in 1996 after 40 years of service. He received Firefighter of the Year awards in 1976 and 1987 and through the years received many honors and awards. He loved the fire department and being a firefighter. Lee was also a member of the Pythian Lodge #26, where he was a past Commander. He received the Damon and Pythias Award for Service to Humanity. He was also a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas. The Longview Fire Department will serve as the Honor Guard and Pallbearers for the service. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy L. Fort, brother, Foster ''Bill'' Fort and his parents, Foster & Jean Fort. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Myrtle; Sons: Steve and wife, Denise Fort of Memphis and Mark Fort of Longview; Daughter: Debra and husband, Jerry Herbison of Longview; Grandchildren: Katie and Lauren Fort, Kyndall and Justin Oney; Brothers and Sisters-in-law: Arthur and Sue Fort and Gene and Joyce Fort; sisters and brother-in-law: Sandra Lloyd and Mary and Mayo Lanagan; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home Thursday, December 13, 2001 from 6 PM until 8 PM. For those unable to attend the service, you may visit our website at www.raderfh.com to sign an online memorial book in the obituary section, or later view the service by clicking the funeral-cast icon. Memorials may be made to: Longview Cancer Center,1300 North Fourth Street, Longview, Texas 75601, or First Assembly of God Church, 2900 North Fourth Street, Longview, Texas 75605.

Walter Lee Fort

August 20, 1937 - December 11, 2001