Norman LaFountain

Norman Russell LaFountain, 87 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 5:30 AM in Fountainview of Monroe. Born December 3, 1923 in Monroe, Norman was the son of the late Elmer H. and Florence (Thornton) LaFountain. On February 24, 1944 at First Baptist Church in Monroe, Norman married his beloved wife the former Phyllis J. Belyea. Norman served his country honorably and proudly during WWII. Norman served as a corporal in the US Army Air Corps Medical Services Division from February 9, 1943 to February 17, 1946. He served as a nurse’s aide and later as a pharmacist. For his service he received; the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon and 1 Service Stripe Good Conduct Medal. Norman was employed as a boiler operator for Consolidated Paper Co. in Monroe for 30 years. After Consolidated closed Norman went to work as a custodian for Airport Community Schools from which he retired in 1978. Norman had a strong faith in the Lord and was a very active member of Monroe Alliance Church for 62 years. At the church Norman served as: Youth Leader, Sunday School Superintendant and Teacher, Deacon, Elder, Trustee and Usher. An avid reader, Norman also enjoyed; collecting duck decoys and model ships, hunting and crossword puzzles. In his younger days both for the Army and at the church Norman enjoyed pitching fast pitch softball. Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Phyllis, 6 loving children; Norma J. (Richard) Sutherland of Flat Rock, MI, David R. (Janet) LaFountain of Blissfield, MI, Richard W. (Marilyn) LaFountain of Grove City, PA, Michael L. (Deborah Stoyek) LaFountain of Monroe, Thomas A. (Estella “Micki”) LaFountain of Monroe and Stephen P. (Susan) LaFountain of Mattawan, MI, 14 cherished grandchildren, 17 cherished great grandchildren, a brother Samuel LaFountain of Newport and a sister Hazel Respondeck of Monroe. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a granddaughter; Aimee Faith LaFountain, brothers Albert and Charles LaFountain and sister Florence Venier and Mildred LaFountain. Visitation will be private. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Monroe Alliance Church. The Rev. Nils Saunders will officiate. The Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.