Merlin Fountain Merlin Lewis Fountain, 81, of DeTour Village, died Friday, March 5, 2010, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.

He was born August 30, 1928, in DeTour to C. Clayton and Merle (nee Harris) Fountain.

Mr. Fountain grew up in DeTour and as a teenager began working with his father in his ice and water sales business. From 1948 to 1952, he served in the United States Army.

He married Eileen Helen Cook November 4, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas.

After living a few years in southern Michigan, the couple returned to DeTour, where their family grew up. He worked at the Drummond Island Dolomite Quarry for a few years and then at the DeTour Coal Dock for 17 years before operating an excavating business full time. When he retired, Mr. and Mrs. Fountain spent several winters in Arizona.

Mr. Fountain enjoyed traveling and spending time around town and at the coffee shop visiting with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; two sons and their families, Michael and Christene Fountain of Dafter, and Johnny and Virginia Fountain of DeTour Village; two daughters and their families, Terry and Edward LaPoint of Kincheloe, and Joyce and Norman Postula of Goetzville; nine grandchildren and their families, David and Val Fountain, Tara and Kevin Starr, Johnny Fountain Jr., Jason and Debbie Fountain, Hillary and Mark Nelson, Liza LaPoint, Samantha LaPoint, Andrea and Ryan Greene, and Andrew and Diedrea Postula; and 15 great-grandchildren, Drew Fountain, Zachary Fountain, Alexander Fountain, Peyton Fountain, Bryce Fountain, Gunner Fountain, Grant Fountain, Macy Nelson, Ryver Stevens, Morgan Stevens, Ashton Causley, Ella Greene, Kayla Greene, Mckenna Greene, and Thomas Postula.

Mr. Fountain was preceded in death by one son, David Fountain; and two brothers, James Fountain and Charles Fountain.

Services were Tuesday, March 9, at the DeTour Union Presbyterian Church. Visitation was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the funeral at 1 p.m.

Inurnment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in the spring.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula, 508 Ashmun Street, Suite 120, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan 49783.

Reamer Galer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.