Samuel "Sam" E. Fountain

Samuel “Sam” Edward Fountain passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family on February 29, 2024 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was born in Lakeview, Michigan, on July 2, 1947, to Robert and Esther Fountain. Sam attended Alma High School, and after graduation in 1965, enlisted in the US Army. He was stationed in Germany, and upon returning stateside, he started work at the General Motors Fisher Body plant in Lansing, Michigan. Sam retired as a Millwright after 37 years in 2005.

Sam was married to Kathy (Heintz) from 1971 to 1986 and raised four sons: Craig (Lori) Fountain, Troy Fountain, Chad (Amy) Fountain and Jason Fountain. Sam married Phyllis (Rosecrans) on March 17, 1990, gaining two stepsons: Jason Mahoney and David (Ashley) Martinez.

Sam was a classic car enthusiast his whole life and loved attending car shows with his family and friends. His collection includes a 1947 Ford Coupe, 1967 Chevy Malibu, 1969 Chevy Pickup and a 1993 Ford Econoline (Dog Van). He was an avid bowler and bowled 4 times a week – He even rolled a 300 game on his youngest son’s birthday, in addition to many 299 games over the years. Sam loved spending time with his grandchildren giving them tractor rides and attending their many after school activities. He also loved to travel. Together with Phyllis, he visited nearly every state. Sam maintained a massive vegetable garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with family and friends.

In addition to his wife, sons, and stepsons, Sam is survived by his half-brother, Bobby Klaiss; step-brother, Oral (Pat) Carper; step-sister, Linda Moffett; nephews, Jeff (Starla) Fountain, Casey (Angela) Fountain, and eight grandchildren: Hailey Mahoney, Abrielle Fountain, Haigan Mahoney, Makenna Fountain, Aubrianna Martinez, Mitchell Martinez, Ryleigh Mahoney, and RaeLynn Martinez and his beloved Great Dane Rosco.

Sam was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Demeyer; father, Robert Fountain; step-father, Albert Demeyer; step-mother, Osha Fountain; brother, James Fountain; step-brother, Roger Demeyer, and nephew, Tom Fountain.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48917.

The funeral will be held Thursday, March 7th, 2024 at 11am at Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48917 with visitation one hour prior to the service. The family asks that we send Sam off with one final car show. If you are able, bring your classic vehicle for the funeral procession directly following the service with internment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home at the conclusion of graveside services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sam’s name to the Henry Ford Health Cardiology Education Fund https://www.henryford.com/development/make-a-gift or the Capitol Area Humane Society https://www.cahs-lansing.org/support/donate/.

The family is appreciative of the pilot, flight nurses, and doctor from the University of Michigan Survival Flight for their professionalism and comforting words. The family wishes to thank the Henry Ford Hospital Cardiac Intensive Care Unit staff for their exhaustive efforts, and his surgeon and nurse practitioner for their compassion above the call of duty.