Stephen Charles Fountain

Retired Major, Chaplain, Reverend Stephen Charles Fountain entered the gates of Heaven Wednesday, December 25, 2024. He was born September 25, 1950, in Seattle, WA to Reverend Tunis and Vera (Thompson) Fountain. He is survived by his wife Jody Fountain; their children, Joshua Fountain, Stephanie Fountain, Sheryl Fountain, Susanne Thrasher, her husband Michael Thrasher and their grandchildren Nathan and Micah Thrasher.

Stephen was an adventurer, dreamer, and pursuer of knowledge, which catapulted his life to places he never dreamed of and some places he never wanted to go. He also loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, with all his heart, soul, and mind, dedicating his life to sharing his faith and helping others around the world.

Stephen met Jody, the love of his life and wife of 53 years, in Kirkland, WA. Just 10 days after meeting her, Stephen asked Jody to marry him before he left for Vietnam. He told her when they married that he would take her on an adventure around the world. He kept that promise and many more.

As a member of the United States Army, Stephen served 10 years as a Military Intelligence Officer before transitioning out of regular service into the Army Reserves. Stephen received a bachelor’s degree from William and Mary University, two master’s degrees, and a Ph.D. from George Fox University before returning to regular military service as an Army Chaplain. Stephen’s extraordinary faith and his prior experience in military intelligence made him invaluable to his fellow comrades-in-arms and commanding officers. During Stephen’s nearly 30 years in the Army, he actively participated in the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and three additional military conflicts including Operation Hope in Somalia.

Stephen’s quick wit; exemplary ability to retain knowledge; and exceptional skill to weave current events, strategy, science, history, and faith together made him beloved to his colleagues, soldiers, and congregations.

While pursuing his education and again after retiring from his military career, Stephen served as senior pastor in several states throughout his 48 years of ministry: Trinity Assembly of God in Williamsburg, VA; Newport News Assembly of God in Newport News, VA; Oak Grove Assembly of God in Milwaukee, OR; Oregon City Assembly of God in Oregon City, OR; and Calvary Assembly of God in Walkersville, MD. He also served as a Camp Director for the Potomac District of the Assembly of God.

His unwavering faith and passion for others to know the God he served motivated Stephen through the darkest and most challenging times in his life. Even in his last days on earth, he continued to pray for others and tell those he interacted with in the hospital about his Savior.

Stephen will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives were touched by him, and the ripple effect of his 74 years on this earth will continue for generations.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering held on January 10, 2025, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold Street, Centralia, WA 98531. Viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse (https://samaritanspurse.org), or to the GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/12d89d56) established to continue Stephen’s legacy by digitizing his sermons for future free distribution.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV).