Mr. Hurvey J. ("Pete") Fountain Sr.

Hurvey J. Fountain, Sr. was born June 24, 1930 in Waldo, Arkansas, the son of the late Jessie Mae and Clark Fountain. He grew up in Stamps, Arkansas where he lived around the corner from Maya Angelou and her grandmother. After spending his formative years in Stamps, he joined the great migration in 1947 and moved to Muskegon then to Kalamazoo where he met Queen Esther Hobbs. They started a lifelong journey together in 1948 that lasted over 65 years. To this union 5 children were born. Hurvey was an avid sportsman as a youth and this continued on into his adult life. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in the lakes and woods of Michigan. He was a loyal supporter of high school and college athletics and a Detroit Tigers fan to the end. "Pete" worked for Miller-Davis in Kalamazoo for over 20 years, where he helped build universities, hospitals, churches and many other landmarks in and around Kalamazoo and Southwestern Michigan. He then worked another 16 years as a business agent of Laborer's Local 640, helping men and women get jobs doing the same work, building lasting monuments and infrastructures. His work ethic and sense of fair play helped empower another generation of men and women construction workers across the state to be positive and productive citizens. Pete was a Gold Card 50 Year Member of Laborer's International Union of North America. He joined the Most Worshipful Prince Hall (P.H.A.) in 1962 and was a lifetime member of Central Lodge 10 where he was a member of Homer E. Gaines Consistory 112 and Al Zabir Temple 81 where he was a Past Worshipful Master. He was elevated to 33° in 1988 and was a member of the United Supreme Council. He was also a member of Zorah Chapter No. 3 Order of the Eastern Star (P.H.A.) where he served as Worthy Patron for many years. Pete served tirelessly for many years as Imperial Deputy of the Oasis Kalamazoo, where again he helped influence, mold and shape the lives of men and women who would go on to be a service to mankind and their communities in such a positive way. He was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings: Louise, Christine, Addie, Ruth, Melvin and Ardel. Also, preceding him was a dear son, Steven L. Fountain. Surviving him in addition to "S", his beloved wife of over 65 years, are his daughter, Jackie L. Smith of Chicago, IL; sons, Hurvey Jr. (Mary) of Kalamazoo; Gregory (Florence) of Chicago, IL and Gary of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Hurvey 111, Antoinette, Gregory Jr., Ryan (Genesis) and Marissa; 11 great-grandchildren, including a special great-granddaughter, Zhaniya Fountain; 4 great-great-grandchildren, including a special great-great granddaughter, De'ja; a special nephew, Melvin (Helen) Fountain and a host of family including sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Hurvey J. ("Pete") Fountain Sr.

June 24, 1930 - July 19, 2014