Article Category: Passions | Pillars | SC29

A Man of Many Skills

Posted Tuesday, Dec 15
Written By Todd Harra
Southern Calls, Vol. 29, September 2020

Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills
Springfield, Missouri

The call came in from another state: an innocent bystander had been caught in the middle of a shootout. There would be reconstruction involved if there was to

be a viewing. The funeral director making the call said, “Vernie, the family has requested you.”

“You get the body and embalm it and I’ll be along shortly,” replied Vernie Fountain, the founder of Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills.

“No,” the funeral director persisted, “the family has asked that you to do all the prep work.”

Fountain coordinated with the medical examiner, chartered a twin-engine aircraft and four hours later had the remains back at his facility in Missouri. “There was a lot of work to be done,” Fountain recalls. “Edema caused by his injuries.”

The family had requested the right person. Vernie Fountain is one of the best-known, most accomplished specialists in post mortem reconstructive surgery working today.

Left: The Fountain Homeplace, “I was a baby in diapers when my dad built our home in the 1950s” Right: Vernie Fountain age 10

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