Richard Leon Fontaine, 73, of Rensselaer, passed away Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at Franciscan St. Elizabeth East Hospital in Lafayette. He was born in Rensselaer on Oct. 23, 1941, son of the late Richard and Ardith (Reed) Fontaine.

Leon graduated from Rensselaer High School and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He worked for U.S. Steel for 38 years, retiring June 30, 2003. He was a member of Victorious Life Assembly of God. On May 8, 1999 Leon married Judy (Shepherd) Fontaine.

Leon is survived by his loving wife Judy Fontaine of Rensselaer; children: William Fontaine of Lafayette, Valerie Reynolds of Monon and Chantelle Oliver of Greenfield; step-children: Jeff (Tyann) Countryman of Escondido, CA, Jason (Nellie) Countryman of Rensselaer, Josh (Tina) Countryman of Rensselaer and Jonathan Countryman of San Diego, CA; one brother, Dewayne (Libby) Fontaine of Wolcott; two sisters, Sharon (Delmas) Conley of Rensselaer and Diane (Junior) Stone of Rensselaer; sister-in-law Carol Fontaine of Rensselaer. Several grandchildren and step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Richard and Ardith Fontaine; and one brother, Ronnie Fontaine.

Leon was a wonderful and loving husband. One of the main joys of his life was spending time with his grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 from 10 a.m. until noon (CST) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 at noon with Pastor Melvin Lane officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the VA or Jasper County Hospital Home Health Care & Hospice. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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