Ross Fain

@ Stilwell Democrat Journal
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Submitted by Jan Grooms

Ross Fain, son of Howard and Madeline (Ross) Fain, was born on October 3, 1946 in Prairie Grove, Arkansas and passed from this life on Sunday, December 22, 2013 in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the age of 67 years, 2 months and 19 days.

 

“I entered to see Ross lying in bed and surrounded by friends and family. This was not that unusual, but what was unusual was Ross. He lay in his bed with a total lack of medical devices attached to him. There was no hum, no small ring or blip on a screen. He lay there perfectly calm as if this was just a regular visit to have a common procedure. I greeted him and he answered me by saying “Hello Mike Love” as he had for our thirty plus years as friends. This revealed to me that Ross was as lucid and bright as he always was, totally aware of his situation. I asked him if he was at peace with God and he confirmed that he was (which I already knew).

 

I told Ross that we all have to play the cards that life deals us, meaning that life gives us situations and circumstances that are far beyond our control. He had played them extremely well, far better than I could have.

 

Because I have been around so long, I have seen all kinds of things and people. I have seen tough people. I once saw a man shot with a 45 wrestle the gun away from the man that had shot him. I’ve seen strong men. When my dad was in his 80’s he could take 100 pounds and move anywhere he wanted it. I’ve seen smart men. My college chemistry teacher knew more about everything than anyone I have ever known, but I never thought I would see all these gifts in one person. But you, Ross, are by far the toughest, strongest, and smartest person I have ever known. When I got together with our friends at our fishing outing on the White River, we talked about smart people and your name came up. You have a myriad of admirers, and I mean that.

 

I told Ross that when we meet again he would have two good legs and arms and that he would be at peace and carefree for the first time in a long while.

 

As I left the room, I thought “what courage”. But courage and Ross Fain are synonymous.”

 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Howard and Madeline Fain.

 

Ross is survived by a large, loving family that includes his wife: Shirley Fain of the home, children: Roy Fain of Lincoln, AR, Brain Fain and wife Mary of Watts, OK, Brenda Smith and husband Jack of Navarre, FL, Steven Smith of the home, Vicki Ketch and husband Tim of Stillwater, OK, brother: Roger Fain and wife Elsie of Locust Grove, OK, sister: Rita Fain of Tahlequah, OK, grandchildren: Josh Ketch and wife Brooke of Poteau, OK, Lauren Smith and husband Nicholas of Perry, OK, Hannah Peterson, Micah Peterson, Richard Smith, Jonathan and Jennifer Smith, all of Navarre, FL, Skylar and Brandon Smith of Montezuma, KS, Blake, Logan, Brayden, Landen and Coy Fain of Watts, OK, 5 nieces, 9 nephews and a host of friends.

 

Funeral services were held at 11 am on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Roberts & Hart Chapel with Eldon Bagwell, Roger Duncan and Ronnie Bradshaw officiating. Interment followed at New Hope Cemetery, Westville, OK.