F. Keith Forton, 89, of Kewadin, MI passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at the Traverse Victorian Inn surrounded by his loving family.

Keith was born at Munson Hospital in Traverse City on Saturday, January 7, 1928 to Ferd and Lucille (Long) Forton. He is survived by his wife Pamela; three children, Keith (Laurel), Angela (Mark) Glynn, and Jon (Lisa); two step children, Matthew (Ashley) Cousineau and Yvonne (Tom) Crowe, and 8 grandchildren.

He graduated from St. Francis High School in 1946. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the occupation force in Japan. In 1950, he was recalled to active duty and served with the 24th Infantry Division in Korea (1950-51) where he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star Medal. On his return he received a commission in the Ordnance Corp. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN and his Master of Science Degree from Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Elk Rapids, the 24th Infantry Division Association, VFW Post 2780 and AM Vets Post 411. He taught at Mendel Catholic High School on Chicago's south side, taught and was principal at Elk Rapids High School for several years, and served as Principal at Glenn Loomis and Willow Hill Schools in Traverse City for over 30 years.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Reverend Carlton Kelley will officiate services.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy may direct contributions to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Avenue SE, Ada, MI 49301, or St. Paul's Episcopal Church 403 Traverse Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629.

We're sure Dad is doing one of two things in heaven; sailing or skiing.