P. Richard Forney, 93, of Lebanon, PA, died on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Verna Gibble, to whom he was married for 67 years.
Born on Feb. 28, 1932, in East Petersburg, Lancaster County, Richard was the son of the late Rev. Paul M. Forney and Mary K. Hershey Forney. He was a graduate of Elizabethtown College and Millersville University. He was employed by Annville-Cleona High School as a teacher and later as director of guidance services. After taking early retirement, he served four years in the Brethren Volunteer Service and seven years as executive director of Lebanon County Christian Ministries. He served as co-director with his wife, as they were executive directors of The Palm Estates Retirement Community in Lorida, Florida.
While living in the Myerstown area, Richard was a member of the Myerstown Church of the Brethren, where he sang in the choirs and various other groups, taught Sunday school, served on the church board, and served several terms as church moderator. Following retirement, he and his wife spent the winter months in Lorida, Florida, where he was active in the Lorida Church of the Brethren, was on the Board of Directors at The Palm Estates, where he served various committees, and served as President of The Palm Estates Fellowship.
In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his son, Craig Forney, of Titusville, FL; daughter, Cindy, wife of Walter Sattazahn Sr., of Lebanon, PA; grandchildren, Michael Forney, Danielle Watson (Levi), and Walter Sattazahn Jr. (Shuang Lin); great-grandchildren, Jaxon and McKenna Watson; brother, James Forney, husband of Georgette, of Freedom, PA; sisters, Eleanor Hitz, of Cornwall, PA, Barbara Lindsey, of South Carolina, and Betty Doll, wife of Michael, of Virginia. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edgar and Gerald Forney; and sister, Marilyn Wagner.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Myerstown Church of the Brethren, 51 W. Stoever Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067. Final services are private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Myerstown Church of the Brethren, at the above-stated address.
