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Ret. Major Jerry Dean Fouts April 19, 1936 - February 16, 2015

Barnes Family Funerals - Ret. Major Jerry Dean Fouts

Ret. Major Jerry Dean Fouts, age 78 of Nixa, Missouri passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri after a courageous battle with ALS. He was born April 19, 1936 the son of the late Leonard and Stella (Lowellen) Fouts. Six weeks after his birth, his mother passed away and Jerry resided with his aunt and uncle. On December 22, 1955 Jerry was united in marriage to Betty Haynes. In 1951 at the early age of 15, Jerry began his military career as a member of the United States Air Force. He later attended Havre Montana State University and then joined the United States Army in 1953. Jerry proudly served his country as a decorated veteran and a member of 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles and United States Army Signal Corps. In 1973, at the age of 37 and the completion of 20 years of military service, Jerry retired as a Major in the United States Army. After his military career Jerry began teaching and career training programs at various vocational schools. In 1977, he moved to Ozark and in 1978 he purchased Clemens Hardware of Sparta. His career continued to flourish and in 1985 he established a grocery store/hardware business in Sparta. As his work ethics continued, Jerry and Betty owned and operated J and M Foods in Sparta in 1988. In February 2010, Jerry was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease or ALS. In addition to his professional endeavors, Jerry was very passionate and involved as an active member and ambassador for ALS. He took his journey to the public, attended fund raising events, walks for defeat and used social media to provide local information and awareness for ALS. In spite of his busy professional life and health issues, Jerry devoted his heart and soul to enjoying his family and friends. As his last final act of love, Jerry shared his donation as a Saving Sight donor so others could benefit from the gift of sight. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty; daughter Sheri Scobee and husband Travis; two sons Mike Fouts and wife Pam, Tony Fouts and wife Tina; two sisters Rusty Dvorak and Hattie Bretzke; five adoring grandchildren, Joey Fouts, Jessie Fouts, Amanda Best and husband Eric, Samantha Tyler and husband Travis, Rachel Scobee; five great-grandchildren Paisleigh, Pryor, Prinn, Xander and Harper; other caring relatives and many good friends. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas and a sister, Marge. Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, February 19, 2015 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Funeral Services will follow at 7:00P.M.Thursday evening with Pastor Jim Young officiating. Jerry will be laid to rest at 10:00A.M. Friday, morning, February 20, 2015 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield and honored with full military honors. Donations are suggested to ALS Association 2209 Petrus Circle, Ozark, Missouri 65721. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.

Condolences(16)

  1. REPLY
    Mike, Vonda and Deni says
    February 17, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Betty, Mike, Tony and Sherry,
    Our hearts go out to you all at this time and you are in our prayers!! Jerry was such a wonderful man and he will be missed by many. Heaven gained a wonderful person, and we will all see him again. If there is any thing we can do, just let us know.
    Mike, Vonda, and Deni Fulton

  2. REPLY
    Jerry Applegate says
    February 18, 2015 at 11:26 am

    So sorry to hear about Jerry’s death. May God give you peace beyond what this world can give.

  3. REPLY
    John and Euella Hendrix says
    February 18, 2015 at 11:58 am

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  4. REPLY
    Clint Shortt says
    February 18, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    I feel honored getting to know Mr. Fouts. I got to visit with him on several occasions. I loved his stories. My heart goes out to his amazing family.

  5. REPLY
    Don Bliss says
    February 18, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Our thoughts and prayer go to the wonderful family Jerry left behind. I had the distinct privilege of serving with Jerry in the very first US Army combat unit to be engaged in the Vietnam War. We were in the 173d Airborne Brigade which was sent to Vietnam from Okinawa on May 5, 1965. Jerry was the Communications Officer for the Brigade and an outstanding one. We developed a friendship during that year that lasted nearly 50 years until we all lost such a great friend this week.

    Jerry was not only an outstanding officer in the Army, he was an especially strong person in his final years trying his best to help solve the medical issues surrounding the disease of ALS. We were so proud to have known him and will continue to support his efforts concerning ALS.

    May Jerry rest in peace. God will take good care of him.

    Donald E. Bliss,
    Colonel, US Army (Retired)

  6. REPLY
    Farilyn Chappell says
    February 19, 2015 at 7:12 am

    Mike, I was so sorry to read of your father’s passing and recent illness. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. REPLY
    Lynn and Gail Dunford says
    February 19, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Mike and Pam:

    We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike’s father…..prayers for you all…..Love, Lynn and Gail

  8. REPLY
    Brad & Michelle Countryman says
    February 19, 2015 at 8:24 am

    Sorry for your loss, you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
    Brad, Michelle, Bailey, Ryan and Chelsea Countryman

  9. REPLY
    Jill A Michaels says
    February 19, 2015 at 8:25 am

    Thinking of your family today and sending love. XO Jill

  10. REPLY
    Paul Dvorak says
    February 19, 2015 at 8:48 am

    God Bless my Uncle Jerry – a true Soldier, Citizen, Husband, Father & Brother. While our time together was limited, he was still an inspiration and role model for me, in all facets of life. I will always be grateful for the example he provided, and for the support he provided my mom in her time of need. And I will always admire his courage in facing ALS, and his efforts to help others afflicted with the disease. Well done, sir, you’ve earned your place in Heaven with our Lord.

  11. REPLY
    Jolene Huff says
    February 19, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Betty, Tony, Mike, Sheri and family,

    I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to you. Jerry was always so nice and a good person. He will be missed. I will not be able to attend services. But know that, I am thinking of you all.

    Tom & Jolene Huff

  12. REPLY
    Louise Hensley says
    February 19, 2015 at 11:16 am

    We met Jerry and Betty through ALS Support Group meetings, he was a truly a blessing to all who came in contact with him, he shared his experiences with those newly diagnosed and helped everyone wherever he could. My prayers go out to Betty and all of Jerry’s family as they begin a chapter in their lives without Jerry there. Love to you all Louise

  13. REPLY
    Ken & Joy Brown says
    February 19, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Betty and family. We’ll be thinking of you this evening as you go through the services. It looks like I can’t make it but will be at the graveside service in the morning. Betty, I know you’re going through a very emotional time, and I would like to catch up with you later to talk about Jerry’s life and yours with him.

  14. REPLY
    Darlene Eck says
    February 20, 2015 at 1:06 am

    Thank you so much Jerry for giving me smiles with your kind heart and whit. You will be so much missed. You have a beautiful family and lots of friends that loves you very much. I’m so lucky i got to know you through Facebook and you being friends with my sister. My heart goes out to your family. You are with the loved ones that have passed before you and are now reunited. Your with God and all his angels. Peggy is praying for your family. you will be greatly missed.
    Darlene Eck

  15. REPLY
    Bonnie Muilenburg says
    February 21, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Jerry at the grocery store.

  16. REPLY
    Shana Denney-Anderson says
    May 5, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about your loss to all the family.I grew up knowing Jerry and Betty they are special people who truly touched my heart. My prayers are for you all to get through the grief,I know Jerry has been through a lot here on this earth, now He has a brand new glorified body.God Bless You All. My heart is with to all who knew and Loved Jerry.
    Sincerely,
    Shana Denney-Anderson

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