Ernest H. Fountain, Jr.

Colonel Ernest H. Fountain, Jr, 91, US Army retired of Dallas, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2026, surrounded by family at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Ernest and Elizabeth Jones Fountain and was a graduate of West Orange High School.

Ernest was in the US Army for 32 years before retiring as a Colonel in 1986. He had served overseas tours in Korea, Panama, Vietnam, Alaska, and Germany. His decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, four Meritorious Service Medals, and the Army Commendation Medal. He was a graduate of the US Army Ranger School, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the US Army War College. He received a BA from Florida State University and an MPA from the University of Alaska. Colonel Fountain served two tours, totaling seven and a half years in the Pentagon, and retired from the DOD General Counsel’s Office.

After retiring from the Army, Colonel Fountain worked for the US Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security for five years, where he focused on enhancing embassy security. He inspected US embassies and other facilities in 32 countries during those five years.

Living in Allentown from 1992 to 2009, he served on the boards of directors of multiple non-profit organizations and was past president of several of them. He was also a member and past president of the Mountainville Lions Club. He was a life member of the Military Officers Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Association of Foreign Intelligence Officers, and the National Military Intelligence Association. Upon their marriage on June 6, 2009, he and his wife Vesta took up residence in Dallas.

Ernest was preceded in death by stepson David Hyman, grandson Christian Transue, and son-in-law James Transue. Surviving is Vesta, his loving wife of 17 years. He is also survived by son Ernest “Chris” Fountain, Rockwood, PA; daughter Elsie Transue, Dover, DE; stepdaughters Wendy Hyman, Berkeley, CA; Linda Hyman, Allentown, PA; April Kear, Milwaukee, WI; Neva Kear, Allentown, PA; and Kristen Stout (Harold), Dallas, PA; stepson Kevin Kear (Joanne), Mertztown, PA; and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 12:00 Noon at the Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc, 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Friends may call Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shavertown United Methodist Church c/o 163 N. Pioneer Ave, Shavertown, PA 18708, or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at the Veterans Hospital and Community Living Center for their kind and compassionate care.