Gary D. Fountain

Gary D. Fountain, 72, of New London, MO, passed away at 9:50 PM, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Beth Haven Nursing Home in Hannibal, MO.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Pastor Stephen Albers will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, MO.

Friends and Family are invited to Gary's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the funeral home.

Gary was born January 17, 1952, in Hannibal, MO to Otis Arland "Punk" Fountain and Angelina Katherine Biondi Fountain.

He was married to Deborah D. Sanders on December 30, 1982, in New London, MO. She survives.

Other survivors include his Son, Ryan Fountain (Casey) of New London, MO; three sisters, Carol Price (Jay) of Hannibal, MO, Joann Neuschafer (Charles) of Center, MO, and Colleen Stout (David) of Hannibal, MO; 4 grandchildren, twins, Emma and Alyssa Fountain (Sean Carroll) and twins, Gage and Owen Fountain; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arland Fountain; and one niece, Caverly Neuschafer.

Gary's life was a testament to his strong sense of duty and his commitment to his country. He was a proud member of the 2175th Missouri National Guard for 22 years, serving with honor and distinction. His devotion to his fellow servicemen and women was unwavering, and the discipline and camaraderie he found in the National Guard remained with him throughout his life.

In his professional endeavors, Gary was a dedicated Union Laborer for Local #424, where he forged lifelong friendships and earned the respect of his peers through his hard work and integrity. His career path later led him to American Cyanamid and Cosmoflex, where he continued to demonstrate his strong work ethic and his ability to adapt to new challenges with ease and optimism.

Gary had a passion for life that was evident in his many interests. He was a man who found great pleasure in the simple things, like tinkering in his shop, working on motors and bringing old machines back to life with his skilled hands. His love for the outdoors was a defining characteristic; he relished the time spent fishing on the Salt River and the Mississippi River, and he was an avid hunter, always looking forward to deer, rabbit, squirrel, and turkey hunting seasons. His vegetable garden was a source of pride and joy, with the tomatoes and green beans he grew being the envy of his neighbors and a staple at family gatherings. Gary's love for western movies was well known, with "Gunsmoke" and "Wagon Train" being particular favorites that he could watch over and over again, reliving the adventures of the old West. One of Gary's most treasured experiences was a trip to Alaska, a place that captured his heart with its majestic beauty and untamed wilderness. The memories of that favorite journey would often be retold with a sparkle in his eye and a sense of wonder that never faded. Perhaps the most endearing of all, were the tea parties he held with his granddaughters, complete with Vienna sausages, and teaching his grandsons how to work on tractors and small engines. The laughter, and the love that only a grandfather can give. These moments, filled with innocence and joy, were just some of his most cherished and spoke volumes of the gentle, loving man he was. Gary will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pallbearers will be Greg Price, Paul Rosenkrans, Harold Baker, Jeff Maple, Gage Fountain, and Owen Fountain.

Memorial contributions may be made to Solid Rock Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.