Ret. Major Jerry Dean Fouts

Ret. Major Jerry Dean Fouts, 78, of Nixa, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Mo., after a courageous battle with ALS.

He was born April 19, 1936, the son of the late Leonard and Stella (Lewellen) Fouts. Six weeks after his birth, his mother passed away and he resided with his aunt and uncle.

On Dec. 22, 1955, he was united in marriage to Betty Haynes.

In 1951, at the early age of 15, he began his military career as a member of the United States Air Force. He later attended Havre, Mont., State University, the youngest student attending college under the GI bill. He joined the United States Army in 1953. He 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, he retired as a major in the United States Army.

After his military career, he began teaching and career training programs at various vocational schools. He was the youngest teacher at West Point at the time. 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, he and Betty owned and operated J and M Foods in Sparta in 1988.

In February 2010, he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrigs disease or ALS.

In addition to his professional endeavors, he was very passionate and involved as an active member and ambassador for ALS. He took his journey to the public, attended fundraising 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, he devoted his heart and soul to enjoying his family and friends. As his last final act of love, he shared his donation as a Saving Sight donor so others could benefit from the gift of sight.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas, and a sister, Marge.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Betty; a daughter, Sheri Scobee and her husband, Travis; two sons, Mike Fouts and his wife, Pam, and Tony Fouts and his wife, Tina; two sisters, Rusty Dvorak of Edna,Texas, and Hattie Bretzke of Havre; five adoring grandchildren, Joey Fouts, Jessie Fouts, Amanda Best and her husband, Eric, Samantha Tyler and her husband, Travis, and Rachel Scobee; five great-grandchildren, Paisleigh, Pryor, Prinn, Xander and Harper; other caring relatives; and many good friends.

Visitation was held from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Barnes Family Funeral Home in Ozark, and funeral services were held at 7 p.m., with pastor Jim Young officiating. Burial was at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield with full military honors.

Online condolences may be shared at http://www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com. Donations are suggested to ALS Association, 2209 Petrus Circle, Ozark, MO 65721.