Kenneth R. Fountain Jr., PhD, age 80, stepped into eternal life on Saturday, October 7th,, 2017, while at his home in Kirksville, MO. His transition was peaceful, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents and two younger siblings, David Fountain and Ruth Fountain. He was born, March 26th, 1937 to Kenneth Sr. and Bertha “Betty” Fountain in Chicago, IL. He was a graduate of Wheaton College class of ‘59, and obtained his PhD in Chemistry from University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. He completed his post-doctoral appointment in SUNY Buffalo, 1968.

He met the love of his life Doris Bingham, at the library of Malone College in 1963 in Canton, OH. They married, March 25th, 1966 and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary with friends and family by returning to the same hall as their wedding reception in Shalersville, OH. Together, they had three children, who then later gave them eleven grandchildren plus one.

Dr. K.R. Fountain was a professor of Organic Chemistry for 35 years at Truman State University. He wrote many published scientific and evidence based education theory papers, as well as several successful grants, and was a pioneer in mentoring undergraduates to perform chemical research. Having loved chemistry from the age of eight, he was passionate about his research and would enthusiastically discuss it with anyone willing to listen.

He pursued other passions as well, including chess, dog shows and dog obedience training, Christian apologetics, and recently wrote a book about college students defending their faith. He had a sharp wit and unique sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He was an active member of his local church family, with a sincere heart for missions and devoted time in prayer daily for extended family, ‘prayer’ daughters and grandchildren, known needs, church, community, missionaries, and persecuted Christians around the world. He wanted to be known most as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Fountain, his brother Phil Fountain and sister Mary LaRosa, as well as children Kenneth R. Fountain III and wife Jennifer, Crystal Barron and husband Chris, and Daniel Fountain and wife Mary, and twelve grandchildren; Kenny, Bethany, Jenessa, Joshua Fountain; Jeremy, Danielle, Mallory, Serena Barron; David Peter, Miriam, Adaliah Fountain, and Carol Kim.

Family, friends, colleagues, former students, and any who were touched by Ken’s life are welcome to a memorial service held Friday afternoon, 3:00 pm on Nov. 10th, 2017 at Grace Community Bible Church, 1501 E Northtown Rd, Kirksville, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace Community Bible Church, Voice of the Martyrs, Feed the Children, or Hospice of Northeast MO are appreciated.
Funeral arrangements were taken care of by Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville.