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he returned to active Naval duty, first at Sands Point, Kansas City, Missouri, then at Corpus Christi, Texas, where he became Executive officer at Rodd Field. Following this he was transferred as Operations Officer to the Naval Air Station, San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he remained until he resigned in 1948, with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Forkner then returned to Seattle and took over his father's business in the Funeral Home. He continued to operate this business until he retired in 1956, at which time he moved to Palm Springs, California, and took up painting as a hobby, specializing in desert, Mountain and redwood forest scenes. In failing health, Forkner passed away on March 13, 1968, at age 76. He was survived by his wife, a son and daughter. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Seattle, Washington. [[strikethrough]] He was a member of the Early Birds. [[\strikethrough]]

Flying pioneer, Early Bird Joseph R. Forkner served more as a Military Flying Officer than in civilian activities, and flew through both World Wars I and II, then continued as a Naval Reserve Officer for many years.