Clarence “Sonny” Fountain, 94, of Port Townsend, passed away peacefully on August 27, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 23, 1931, in Sasakwa, Oklahoma, to Vealin and Ed Fountain. His family soon moved to Texas, where Sonny was raised. After high school, he attended Kilgore Junior College to play football but left to enlist in the Navy, following several friends who had been drafted. Out of a class of 85, Sonny was honored with the prestigious Honor Man award.
He was later stationed on Indian Island, where he met Bette Thacker, who was home visiting from California. They fell in love and were married six months later. Two years later, their first son was born. The family moved to Oklahoma, where Sonny earned a spot on the University of Oklahoma football team under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson. Over the next six years, they welcomed five children: Rock, Daniel, Michele, Julie, and Nikki.
In 1959, the family settled in Port Townsend. Sonny worked as a lab technician at the paper mill for the rest of his career, eventually taking on part-time work as a real estate agent.
Sonny was a gifted athlete and a natural leader, excelling in football (running back), baseball (pitcher), basketball, and track (sprint and shot put). Friends recall his strength and playfulness—like walking up and down stairs on his hands—and describe him as a quiet protector, someone others instinctively looked up to. He was down-to-earth, kind, and always willing to offer thoughtful advice. He loved dancing, listening to Eddie Arnold and Hank Williams, reading voraciously, and never turned down a good burger.
To his 22 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, he was simply “Pops.” He was a deeply involved and loving father and grandfather. His and Bette’s home was always open—kids and their friends came by for photos before school dances or to pile into his big green Chevy truck for burgers and milkshakes. He gave piggyback rides, played the donkey in the family Nativity play, and bravely held the piñata while dancing away from swinging bats. He was rarely without a child on his back, in his lap, or wrapped in his arms. His words were always gentle, and his laughter constant.
Sonny taught his family by example—humility, kindness, and honesty were the values he lived every day. His children remember his strength, gentleness, and how deeply safe and loved he made them feel. They cherished long walks and car rides filled with laughter and stories from his childhood. Though he rarely remembered both the setup and punchline of a joke, the jokes were all the better for it.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry, and sisters Wilma and Anna Lou. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Bette; his brother Harry and sister Mary Sue; his five children—Rock (Cathie), Daniel (Debra), Michele (Arne), Julie (Steve), and Nikki (Nick)—as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Sonny will be held on Sunday, November 9th at 2 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 1111 Franklin St., Port Townsend, WA.
