Leon Fortmeyer

Leon Francis Fortmeyer, 85 of Medford, Oklahoma, passed away on January 1, 2026, in his lifelong home of pancreatic cancer.

Born on March 7, 1940, in Caldwell, KS to Albert and Mary Magdalen Fortmeyer, Leon graduated from Caldwell High School in 1958 and was honorably discharged after serving 6 years in the United States Army Reserves.  Leon worked and lived on the family farm his entire life. He especially enjoyed raising cattle and adored his Siberian husky Rin. In 1977 he was fortunate to marry his soulmate, Almeta, who brought such beauty into his life. Together they shared 38 years on the farm. 

All who knew him knew of his strong work ethic and dedication to completing any task with precision. His own father used to complain, “The kid insists on cutting wheat like he’s manicuring the lawn!” Perhaps lesser known was his squeamishness in hospitals. Denny told the story that once when he took Leon to the hospital for surgery, Leon fainted in the pickup as they arrived just thinking about it, fainted again when they got into the elevator and a third time when they got to the surgery waiting room! Moreover, upon visiting his sister at the hospital, she began describing to him how they performed her brain surgery, he scooted her over so that he could pass out in her bed!

Leon is survived by his niece Dayna Welch (husband Jay), nephew Dan Parmele (wife Diana) and niece Darla Tate (husband David).  His stepsons Doug Huntley (wife Pixie) and Tim Huntley (wife Karisa). 

He is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Magdalen Fortmeyer, sister Arlene Parmele and wife Almeta. His younger brother Dennis died on the same day as he did.

Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Schaeffer Mortuary.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Schaeffer Mortuary in Caldwell, Kansas. Inurnment will follow at the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Caldwell City Cemetery and sent in care of the mortuary.