Walter H. Forney, 59, owner of Bower's Drug Store and one of Olney's outstanding citizens, died suddenly early this morning November 3, 1965 at Richland Memorial Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Roderick Forney, one daughter, Mrs. Joanne Vermeulen of Homewood and two grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers, John of Calhoun and Sam of Evansville, Ind. and two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Wright of Chicago and Mrs. Venus Dietrich of Olney. His parents were the late Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Forney of Olney.

Mr. Forney graduated from Olney High School in 1926 and from the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy in 1930. He was employed by Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, after his graduation as a pharmacist until 1945 when he purchased the Bower Drug Store in Olney from the late E.Z. Bower. Bower's Drug Store, originated in 1848, is the oldest drug store in Illinois.

Returning to Olney in 1946, Mr. Forney quickly showed his interest in affairs of the community, being active in all matters concerned with community progress. Several years ago he remodeled Bower's Drug Store making it one of the most modern in the state and receiving awards for it as a model store.

He served as president of the Olney Chamber of Commerce, was a member of Olney Lodge No. 140 A.F. & A.M., Henry Godeke Chapter 38 R.A.M., Olney Council 55 R. & S.M. and Gorin Commandery No. 14 Knights Templar, Ainad Shrine Temple, Center Shrine Club and Olney Elks Lodge.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) ~  November 3, 1965